INDEX
7 False Teachings and False Prophets
13 Judgement Seat of Christ Part 1
14 Judgement Seat of Christ Part 2
16 Justification by Faith Part 1
17 Justification by Faith Part 2
Brothers and sisters,
Today I want to preach on one of the most important and most misunderstood subjects in all the Bible: the Holy Spirit.
Some speak of the Holy Spirit very little, almost as though He were a forgotten doctrine.
Others speak of Him constantly, but not always carefully.
Some reduce Him to a force, an influence, or an atmosphere.
Some think of Him only in connection with gifts and signs.
Some fear the subject because of misuse.
Others chase experience without truth.
But the Bible will not let us neglect the Holy Spirit, and it will not let us distort Him either.
The Holy Spirit is not an optional subject in Christian faith.
You cannot understand creation without Him.
You cannot understand the prophets without Him.
You cannot understand the incarnation without Him.
You cannot understand conversion without Him.
You cannot understand sanctification without Him.
You cannot understand the church without Him.
You cannot understand prayer, holiness, gifts, power, guidance, or assurance without Him.
So today I want to preach on:
who the Holy Spirit is,
His work in the believer,
conviction,
sanctification,
gifts,
power,
and guidance.
And above all, I want us to see that the Holy Spirit is not given to replace Christ, but to glorify Christ, apply Christ’s work, and conform God’s people to Christ.
Let us begin with the most basic truth.
The Holy Spirit is not merely a force.
He is not merely a power source.
He is not merely a feeling.
He is not merely an influence.
He is God.
From the opening verses of the Bible, we meet the Spirit.
Genesis 1:1–2
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Now the earth was formless and empty… and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”
The Spirit is there in creation, not as a created being, but as the divine Spirit of God.
And later, in the New Testament, Peter says to Ananias:
Acts 5:3–4
“Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit…?
You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”
To lie to the Holy Spirit is to lie to God.
The Holy Spirit also shares divine attributes.
He is eternal.
Hebrews 9:14
“…Christ… through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God…”
He is omniscient.
1 Corinthians 2:10–11
“The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”
He is omnipresent.
Psalm 139:7–8
“Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there…”
So the Holy Spirit is fully God.
The Holy Spirit is not only divine. He is personal.
He speaks.
Acts 13:2
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul…’”
He teaches.
John 14:26
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things…”
He bears witness.
Romans 8:16
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
He can be grieved.
Ephesians 4:30
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…”
He can be resisted.
Acts 7:51
“You always resist the Holy Spirit!”
He intercedes.
Romans 8:26
“The Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
These are not the acts of a mere force. These are the acts of a divine Person.
And Jesus speaks of the Spirit with personal language as the Advocate or Helper.
John 14:16–17
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—
the Spirit of truth.”
So when we speak of the Holy Spirit, we are speaking of the third Person of the Trinity: the Spirit of the Father and the Son, fully God, personal, holy, active, and worthy of reverence.
The Spirit is not only a New Testament reality. He is active all through the Bible.
He was active in creation.
Genesis 1:2
2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
He was active in empowering skill.
Exodus 31:2–5
“See, I have chosen Bezalel… and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills…”
He was active in empowering leaders and prophets.
Numbers 11:25
“Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took some of the power of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders.”
2 Peter 1:21
21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
That verse is one of the clearest statements in all the Bible about the Spirit’s role in revelation.
The prophets did not finally speak out of mere human creativity.
They were not simply religious geniuses.
They were not inventing truth from their own will.
They spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
That means the Holy Spirit is the divine author behind Scripture’s prophetic message. He moved holy men to speak the Word of God.
So the Spirit is not opposed to Scripture. He is the One who inspired Scripture.
This is a vital correction in our day. Some people speak as though the Spirit leads away from the written Word. But the Spirit of God is the Spirit who gave the Word of God. He does not contradict Himself.
The Old Testament not only shows the Spirit working; it also promises a fuller outpouring to come.
Through Joel, God says:
Joel 2:28–29
“And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.”
That is a remarkable promise. Under the old covenant, the Spirit came upon particular people for particular tasks in striking ways. But Joel points toward a day of broader outpouring.
Then Ezekiel says:
Ezekiel 36:26–27
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you…
And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees…”
That is one of the greatest promises in all Scripture.
Not just commandments outside us.
Not just rituals around us.
But the Spirit in us.
And again:
Ezekiel 37:14
“I will put my Spirit in you and you will live…”
So the prophets anticipated a coming day when the Spirit would be poured out in life-giving, heart-changing power.
When we come to the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is everywhere around the person and work of Christ.
Jesus is conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:20
“…what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”
Jesus is anointed by the Holy Spirit.
Luke 3:21–22
“…the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove.”
Jesus ministers in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 4:1
“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.”
Luke 4:14
“Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit…”
Then Jesus reads Isaiah and says:
Luke 4:18–19
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor…”
Even the cross is connected to the Spirit.
Hebrews 9:14
“…Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God…”
And the resurrection too.
Romans 8:11
“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you…”
So the Holy Spirit is not peripheral to Christ. He is integral to the incarnate mission of the Son. And this is important because the Spirit’s work is always Christ-centered.
One of the sweetest truths in the Gospels is that Jesus promised the Spirit to His followers.
John 14:16–17
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—
the Spirit of truth…”
Notice several things.
First, the Spirit is another Advocate. That means He comes in continuity with Jesus’ own helping ministry.
Second, He will be with you forever. The Spirit is not a temporary visitor in the New Covenant sense.
Third, He is the Spirit of truth. The Spirit is not the spirit of confusion, deception, or disorderly falsehood.
Jesus also says:
John 14:26
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
John 15:26
“When the Advocate comes… he will testify about me.”
John 16:13–14
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth…
He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.”
That is one of the most important statements about the Spirit’s ministry: He will glorify Christ.
So any teaching about the Holy Spirit that minimizes Christ, replaces Christ, distracts from Christ, or competes with Christ is already off course. The true work of the Spirit is Christ-exalting.
Then we come to Pentecost.
Before His ascension, Jesus told the disciples:
Acts 1:4–5
“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised…
For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
And again:
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…”
Then in Acts 2, the promise comes.
Acts 2:1–4
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place…
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit…”
Peter then explains it through Joel:
Acts 2:16–18
“This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel…”
Pentecost is not the beginning of the Spirit’s existence, of course. It is the climactic new-covenant outpouring of the Spirit upon the church in relation to the exalted Christ.
What Joel promised, what Jesus promised, now begins to unfold openly.
And what is the result? Power for witness, praise to God, bold proclamation, and the gathering of a people through the gospel.
One of the most important works of the Spirit is conviction.
Jesus said:
John 16:8–11
“When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment:
about sin, because people do not believe in me;
about righteousness, because I am going to the Father…
and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.”
The Spirit convicts.
That means He brings truth home to the conscience. He exposes sin. He shows the sinner that rebellion against God is real. He reveals the righteousness of Christ. He presses the reality of judgment.
No one is converted merely because an argument sounded clever. The Spirit must convict.
This is why preaching alone, as human speech, is not enough. We need the Spirit to pierce the heart.
When Peter preached at Pentecost:
Acts 2:37
“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart…”
That cutting is the Spirit’s work through the Word.
And that is mercy. Conviction is painful, but holy pain is better than deadness. Better to be wounded into repentance than left numb in sin.
The Spirit not only convicts. He regenerates.
Jesus told Nicodemus:
John 3:5–8
“Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit…
The wind blows wherever it pleases… So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
That means salvation is not merely a human decision at the level of natural ability. The Spirit gives life.
Paul says:
Titus 3:5
“he saved us… through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,”
And again:
2 Corinthians 3:6
“…the Spirit gives life.”
The sinner is not merely sick and in need of polishing. The sinner is spiritually dead and needs resurrection life. That is why the Spirit is essential.
No Spirit, no new birth.
No new birth, no kingdom entrance.
This is very important. The Holy Spirit is not only for an elite class of Christians. Every true believer belongs to Christ by the Spirit.
Romans 8:9
“And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.”
That is plain. The Spirit is not a bonus accessory to the Christian life. He is essential.
Paul also says:
1 Corinthians 12:13
“For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body…”
And again:
Galatians 4:6
“Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts…”
So every Christian has the Spirit. This does not mean every Christian is equally mature, equally yielded, or equally fruitful. But it does mean the Holy Spirit indwells all who truly belong to Christ.
This is one of the most astonishing truths in the New Testament.
Under the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit dwells in believers.
1 Corinthians 6:19
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…”
Romans 8:11
“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you…”
2 Timothy 1:14
“Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”
What a sentence: the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
This means the Christian life is not merely imitation from a distance. It is life in union with Christ by the indwelling Spirit of God.
That gives dignity to the believer’s body.
It gives seriousness to holiness.
It gives power for obedience.
It gives comfort in weakness.
The Spirit not only regenerates and indwells. He gives assurance.
Romans 8:15–16
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
That is precious. The Spirit bears witness within the believer, not by encouraging pride, but by drawing the heart into filial confidence toward God.
He teaches us to cry, “Abba, Father.”
So the Christian life is not a cold legal arrangement only. It is adoption by grace, enjoyed through the Spirit.
Now we come to a major part of the Spirit’s work: sanctification.
The Spirit makes believers holy.
2 Thessalonians 2:13
“…God chose you… through the sanctifying work of the Spirit…”
1 Peter 1:2
“…who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit…”
Sanctification means being set apart and progressively made holy in actual life.
The Spirit works against the flesh.
Galatians 5:16–17
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit…”
There is a real battle in the believer. The Spirit and the flesh are opposed.
The Spirit does not make sin harmless. He wages war against it in us. He exposes it, weakens it, and trains us to put it to death.
Romans 8:13
“…if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”
Notice that phrase: by the Spirit. Sanctification is not passive, and it is not merely human willpower. The believer actively fights sin by the Spirit’s power.
A very important evidence of the Spirit’s work is His fruit.
Galatians 5:22–23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
This matters because some people focus almost entirely on visible power phenomena while neglecting character. But the Spirit is deeply concerned with Christlike character.
Love.
Joy.
Peace.
Patience.
Kindness.
Goodness.
Faithfulness.
Gentleness.
Self-control.
These are not secondary. They are central.
If a person speaks much of the Spirit but lacks love, lacks holiness, lacks self-control, and lacks truth, something is deeply wrong.
The Spirit makes people more like Christ.
Now we must speak of gifts.
The Holy Spirit distributes gifts to the church for the common good.
1 Corinthians 12:4–7
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them…
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
Paul then lists various gifts:
wisdom,
knowledge,
faith,
healing,
miraculous powers,
prophecy,
distinguishing between spirits,
tongues,
interpretation.
And later also:
service,
teaching,
encouragement,
giving,
leadership,
mercy.
The key truths are these:
First, gifts are given by the Spirit, not achieved by personal greatness.
Second, gifts are diverse. Not every believer has the same function.
Third, gifts are for the common good, not personal ego.
Fourth, gifts must operate under truth, love, and order.
Paul is explicit:
1 Corinthians 14:26
“Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.”
And:
1 Corinthians 14:33
“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace…”
So gifts are real, important, and to be received with gratitude — but never detached from love, holiness, and edification.
This is why 1 Corinthians 13 sits where it does — in the middle of the discussion on gifts.
1 Corinthians 13:1–2
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong…
If I have the gift of prophecy… but do not have love, I am nothing.”
That is vital.
A church can be gifted and still be unhealthy if love is lacking.
A believer can seek manifestations and still miss the heart of the Spirit if love is absent.
The Spirit pours out gifts, yes — but He also pours out the love of God.
Romans 5:5
“…God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit…”
So the Spirit’s work is not less than gifts, but it is certainly not centered only there.
One of the great promises of the Spirit is power for witness.
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…”
Power for what? Witness.
Not merely excitement.
Not merely inward sensation.
Not merely private spirituality.
Witness.
The Spirit empowers the church to proclaim Christ boldly.
We see that in Acts:
Acts 4:31
“After they prayed… they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”
That is a very important verse. The filling of the Spirit is connected with bold proclamation.
The church today does not need less than the Spirit’s power. It needs exactly the Spirit’s power — power to witness, power to endure, power to obey, power to speak truth, power to suffer faithfully.
Now let us speak of guidance.
The Spirit guides the people of God.
Romans 8:14
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”
Galatians 5:18
“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”
In Acts, we also see the Spirit guiding mission.
Acts 13:2
“The Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul…’”
Acts 16:6–7
“…they were kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia…”
So the Spirit does guide.
But we must speak carefully. The Spirit’s guidance is never a license for chaos or contradiction of Scripture. He guides in holiness, truth, wisdom, and obedience. He does not guide a believer into sin and then call it freedom.
The Spirit guides through:
the written Word,
prayer,
wisdom,
the church,
inner conviction aligned with Scripture,
and providential direction.
Guidance must be tested.
1 John 4:1
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits…”
The Spirit of truth will never lead us away from the truth He inspired.
The Spirit also helps us in prayer.
Romans 8:26–27
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us…”
What a comfort. Even in prayer, believers are weak. We often do not know what to ask. Yet the Spirit helps.
This means prayer is not carried by our eloquence. It is carried by divine help.
And Paul also says:
Ephesians 6:18
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions…”
Prayer in the Spirit is prayer under His influence, in dependence on Him, in alignment with the will of God.
Now because the Spirit is holy and personal, the Bible warns us about our response to Him.
Ephesians 4:30
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…”
Sin grieves Him. Bitterness, rage, malice, falsehood, corruption, impurity — these are not small matters. They grieve the Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 5:19
“Do not quench the Spirit.”
That means do not suppress His holy work. Do not stifle what He wants to produce in truth and obedience.
Acts 7:51
“You always resist the Holy Spirit!”
That was said to hardened men rejecting God’s message.
So the proper response to the Spirit is reverent openness, submission, obedience, and holiness.
Let me come back again to this great truth, because it protects the whole doctrine.
Jesus said:
John 16:14
“He will glorify me…”
That is the Spirit’s great delight.
He glorifies Christ in the Word.
He glorifies Christ in conviction.
He glorifies Christ in conversion.
He glorifies Christ in holiness.
He glorifies Christ in gifts used rightly.
He glorifies Christ in preaching.
He glorifies Christ in worship.
He glorifies Christ in witness.
He glorifies Christ in suffering saints.
So if you want to know whether something is truly of the Holy Spirit, ask:
Does it honor Christ?
Does it agree with Scripture?
Does it produce holiness?
Does it build the church?
Does it bear the fruit of the Spirit?
Does it magnify the Son?
So let us gather it all together.
The Holy Spirit is God.
The Holy Spirit is personal.
He is active throughout Scripture.
He was promised by the prophets.
He is central to the life and ministry of Jesus.
He was poured out at Pentecost.
He convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
He brings the new birth.
He indwells every believer.
He assures us we are children of God.
He sanctifies.
He produces fruit.
He gives gifts.
He empowers witness.
He guides.
He helps us pray.
He must not be grieved, quenched, or resisted.
And in all things, He glorifies Christ.
So what should we do?
Honor the Holy Spirit.
Do not neglect Him.
Do not reduce Him to emotion.
Do not turn Him into a force.
Do not chase experiences without truth.
Do not settle for orthodoxy without His power.
Walk by the Spirit.
Pray in the Spirit.
Be led by the Spirit.
Bear the fruit of the Spirit.
Use the gifts He gives with humility and love.
And above all, let the Spirit turn your eyes again and again to Jesus Christ.
Let me close with these words:
John 14:26
“The Holy Spirit… will teach you all things…”
Acts 1:8
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…”
Romans 8:14
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”
Galatians 5:22–23
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”
Ephesians 4:30
“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…”
And finally:
2 Corinthians 13:14
“…the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
Amen.
Brothers and sisters,
Today I want to preach on repentance.
And I want to begin with the broad definition you have asked me to work from:
Repentance is the act of change of mind, heart and/or spirit from unbelief to belief or belief to unbelief and where possible feel sorry for the change of the belief in the matter.
Now, as a broad human definition, that helps us see that repentance involves a real inward turning. But when we come to the Bible, repentance in the saving sense is not just any change. It is not merely changing an opinion. It is not merely feeling emotional. It is not merely becoming religious. Biblical repentance is a Godward turning.
It is a turning:
from unbelief to faith,
from sin to God,
from self-rule to Christ’s lordship,
from darkness to light,
from rebellion to surrender,
from dead religion to living faith.
And in the Christian message, repentance is tied to confession, heart-belief, the work of the Holy Spirit, and baptism.
You specifically asked me to use Romans 10:9 as a key framework:
Romans 10:9
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
There we see:
confessing Jesus is Lord — a change of mind, allegiance, and open confession,
believing in your heart — a real inward trust,
and then, in the full witness of Scripture, the Holy Spirit brings the new birth and believers are baptized into Christ.
So today I want to preach on repentance as:
a change of mind,
a change of heart,
a change brought by the Spirit,
a confession of Christ,
a turning seen in baptism,
and a life that continues in repentance before God.
And I will also use the example of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, including the well-known note around the missing or footnoted verse in many modern Bibles, because it fits beautifully with the theme of repentance, confession, faith, and baptism.
Let us begin with this first truth.
When John the Baptist came, he preached repentance.
Matthew 3:1–2
“In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea
and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’”
When Jesus began His ministry, He preached repentance.
Mark 1:14–15
“After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.
‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’”
When Peter preached after Pentecost, he preached repentance.
Acts 2:37–38
“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’
Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
When Paul summarized his ministry, he included repentance
.
Acts 20:20–21
“You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.
I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.”
So repentance is not a side issue. It is not a narrow doctrine for certain denominations. It is at the center of the gospel call.
John preached it.
Jesus preached it.
Peter preached it.
Paul preached it.
That means if we preach a gospel with no repentance, we are not preaching the full apostolic gospel.
The broad definition you asked me to use begins rightly with change of mind.
In the biblical sense, repentance includes a real change in how a person thinks about:
God,
sin,
Christ,
self,
judgment,
salvation,
truth,
and eternity.
A man once thought Christ was nothing. Now he sees Christ is Lord.
A woman once thought sin was small. Now she sees sin is rebellion.
A sinner once thought he was basically fine. Now he sees he is guilty and needy before God.
That is repentance at the level of the mind.
This is why Romans 10 begins with confession and belief:
Romans 10:9–10
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
To say “Jesus is Lord” is not a casual phrase. It is a renunciation of old lordships.
It means:
Caesar is not lord — Jesus is Lord.
Self is not lord — Jesus is Lord.
Sin is not lord — Jesus is Lord.
The world is not lord — Jesus is Lord.
That is repentance of mind and allegiance.
We see this kind of awakening in the prodigal son.
Luke 15:17–18
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!
I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.’”
Notice that phrase: “When he came to his senses.”
Repentance includes that kind of awakening. A person comes to himself. He sees clearly. He stops lying to himself. He stops justifying sin. He stops calling darkness light.
That is why Acts 2 says the people were “cut to the heart.” Truth came home. Their minds changed about Jesus.
Repentance is not only mental agreement. It reaches the heart.
Again:
Romans 10:10
“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified…”
Saving repentance is not mere intellectual change. A person can change opinions and still remain lost. The devil knows many correct doctrines. Saving repentance reaches the center of the person.
The heart turns.
The affections shift.
The loyalties change.
The sinner is inwardly moved toward God.
This is why Joel says:
Joel 2:12–13
“‘Even now,’ declares the Lord,
‘return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning.’
Rend your heart
and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love…”
Do you hear that?
Not merely tear garments.
Tear the heart.
Outward signs without inward change are not true repentance.
David shows heart-repentance beautifully.
Psalm 51:1–4
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
and justified when you judge.
That is repentance from the heart.
David does not hide.
He does not shift blame.
He does not minimize.
He does not say, “I made a mistake.”
He says, “My transgressions… my sin… I have sinned.”
That is the language of a heart brought low before God.
And then he says:
Psalm 51:10–12
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
That is the cry of a truly repentant man.
David is not asking merely for a lighter feeling.
He is asking for a new heart, a renewed spirit, restored fellowship, restored joy, and a willing obedience.
That is what repentance wants.
It does not merely want the pain to stop.
It wants the relationship with God restored.
It does not merely want consequences reduced.
It wants the heart changed.
So repentance is not only sorrow over what sin has done to us. It is grief over what sin is before God, and a cry for inward renewal.
And notice the language:
“Create in me a pure heart…”
“Renew a steadfast spirit…”
“Restore to me the joy…”
“Grant me a willing spirit…”
True repentance does not trust itself. It asks God to do what only God can do.
Your definition rightly says, “where possible feel sorry for the change of the belief in the matter.” That is important, but we must say carefully from Scripture that sorrow by itself is not enough.
There is a kind of sorrow that leads to life, and a kind of sorrow that leads nowhere good.
2 Corinthians 7:9–10
“Yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance…
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
That is very important.
Godly sorrow leads to repentance.
Worldly sorrow leads to death.
So what is the difference?
Worldly sorrow is sorry for consequences.
Godly sorrow is broken over sin before God.
Worldly sorrow says:
“I hate what this has cost me.”
Godly sorrow says:
“I have sinned against the Lord.”
Worldly sorrow may cry.
Godly sorrow turns.
Judas shows us sorrow without true repentance.
Matthew 27:3–5
“When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse…
So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.”
There was remorse, but not a true turning to God for mercy.
Peter, on the other hand, also sinned terribly in denying Christ. But Peter’s sorrow led him back to the Lord.
Luke 22:61–62
“The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter…
And he went outside and wept bitterly.”
Later Peter is restored by Christ in:
John 21.
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
So sorrow matters, but sorrow must lead to God.
Biblical repentance is not just inward discomfort. It is a turn.
The prodigal son did not only feel miserable in the far country. He got up and went back to his father.
Luke 15:18–20
“I will set out and go back to my father…
So he got up and went to his father.”
That is repentance.
The prophets preached the same thing:
Isaiah 55:6–7
“Seek the Lord while he may be found…
Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them…”
Ezekiel 18:30–32
“Repent! Turn away from all your offenses…
Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit…
Repent and live!”
That language is everywhere:
turn,
forsake,
return,
come back,
live.
Paul preached it too.
Acts 26:18
“…to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God…”
Then later he says:
Acts 26:20
“I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.”
And again the Thessalonians are described like this:
1 Thessalonians 1:9
“They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.”
There is repentance in one sentence:
turned to God,
turned from idols,
to serve.
So repentance is not passive emotion. It is a real turning.
Now let us be very clear: repentance and faith are not enemies. They are companions. They are two sides of the sinner’s turning to Christ.
Jesus said:
Mark 1:15
“Repent and believe the good news!”
Paul said:
Acts 20:21
“They must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.”
Repentance turns from sin, self, and unbelief.
Faith turns to Christ in trust.
You cannot truly repent without moving toward faith.
And you cannot truly believe without turning from the rule of sin and unbelief.
So if a person says, “I believe,” but there is no turning, no surrender, no break with old loyalties, the Bible questions whether that belief is real.
And if a person says, “I feel sorry,” but does not come to Christ, that sorrow has not yet become saving repentance.
Now let us come back to your key verse:
Romans 10:9–10
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
This is a beautiful structure.
First, confess with your mouth — “Jesus is Lord.”
That is outward, verbal, open, public allegiance. This is not silent neutrality. It is a confessed change of mind and loyalty.
Second, believe in your heart.
That is inward trust. Not mere words only. Not outward religion only. Not repeating a phrase without inward reality.
So biblical repentance unto salvation includes both:
a changed confession,
and a changed heart.
The mind and mouth say: Jesus is Lord.
The heart believes: God raised Him from the dead.
That is not cold formality. That is life-changing surrender.
Now we must say something even deeper: no man brings himself into the new birth by human effort alone. Repentance is commanded, yes — but the Holy Spirit must bring life.
Jesus said:
John 3:3
“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
And then:
John 3:5–8
“No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit…
The wind blows wherever it pleases… So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
Paul says:
Titus 3:5
“he saved us… through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,”
And the prophet had already promised:
Ezekiel 36:26–27
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you…
And I will put my Spirit in you…”
So when we speak of mind, heart, and spirit being changed, we must say carefully:
The mind confesses Christ.
The heart believes in Christ.
The Holy Spirit gives new life in Christ.
And when this change is real, the person is born again.
Not improved only.
Not made religious only.
Not outwardly adjusted only.
Born again.
That is why repentance unto salvation is so profound. It is not just moral rearrangement. It is new life from God.
And Scripture even says repentance is something God grants.
Acts 11:18
“So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
2 Timothy 2:25
“…in the hope that God will grant them repentance…”
So repentance is both commanded and granted. We are called to repent, and when we truly do, we find that God has been mercifully at work.
Now let us come to baptism.
You asked me to connect this with repentance, confession, heart-belief, and the new birth, and that is very biblical.
At Pentecost, Peter says:
Acts 2:38
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Baptism does not replace repentance. It follows it. It is the outward covenant sign of a person who has turned to Christ.
It is public.
It is identifying.
It is confessional.
It says openly: I belong to Jesus Christ.
Paul later says:
Romans 6:3–4
“…all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death.
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death…”
So baptism visibly proclaims union with Christ.
Now we should say carefully: the New Testament shows that the Spirit’s timing in relation to baptism is not always presented in one identical order in every case. Sometimes the Spirit comes in a way that is highlighted before baptism, sometimes in close connection with it, sometimes with laying on of hands in a transitional context. But the ordinary apostolic pattern is very clear:
repent, believe, and be baptized.
Baptism is not an optional decoration for the believer. It is part of the obedience of faith.
Now let us turn to the Ethiopian eunuch, just as you requested.
Philip is sent by God to the eunuch, who is reading Isaiah 53.
Acts 8:32–35
“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter…
Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.”
That is important. The eunuch’s repentance and baptism begin with hearing the good news about Jesus from Scripture.
Then we read:
Acts 8:36
“As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?’”
Now here we must be honest and careful about the note you mentioned.
Many older Bibles include Acts 8:37 in the main text:
Acts 8:37
“Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’
The eunuch answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’”
Many modern Bibles place this in a footnote or omit it from the main text because the earliest Greek manuscripts likely do not contain it. So we should be truthful about that.
But as a sermon note, it powerfully summarizes what is already consistent with the passage and with the whole New Testament:
belief with the heart,
confession of Christ,
and baptism following.
And it fits very closely with:
Romans 10:9–10
confessing with the mouth,
believing with the heart.
Then Acts continues:
Acts 8:38–39
“And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.
When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away…”
So the eunuch is a beautiful example:
he hears Jesus preached,
he believes,
he confesses Christ,
and he is baptized.
That is why this passage fits your framework so well.
Now we must say this clearly: repentance is known by its fruit.
John the Baptist said:
Matthew 3:8
“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”
That means repentance is not only a statement. It is not only a moment. It produces visible change.
Zacchaeus is an example.
Luke 19:8–9
“But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor…’
Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house…’”
His repentance was visible.
The people in Ephesus are another example.
Acts 19:18–19
“Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done.
A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly…”
They did not merely say, “We changed inwardly.” They broke with the old life.
That is what repentance does. It does not save by works, but it shows itself in changed direction.
Scripture shows us again and again that there can be outward response without inward reality.
Pharaoh said, “I have sinned,” more than once, but his heart remained hard.
Exodus 9:27
“Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron. ‘This time I have sinned,’ he said…”
But he went back.
Saul also said:
1 Samuel 15:24
“I have sinned…”
Yet his concern kept drifting back toward reputation and consequence.
True repentance says:
God is right.
I am wrong.
Christ is Lord.
I turn to Him.
False repentance says:
I want relief.
I want consequences eased.
I want appearances fixed.
I want to keep control.
That is why repentance must be tested not merely by words, but by direction.
Repentance is not only the doorway into the Christian life. It remains part of the Christian walk.
Jesus says to churches in Revelation again and again:
Revelation 2:5
“Consider how far you have fallen! Repent…”
Revelation 3:19
“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.”
So even believers must remain a repentant people.
Why? Because the Christian life is not sinless perfection in this age. It is a life of ongoing turning, ongoing confession, ongoing renunciation of darkness, ongoing submission to Christ.
That is not weakness. That is health.
A proud church stops repenting.
A living church keeps repenting.
You included in your broad definition the idea of changing from belief to unbelief as well as from unbelief to belief. That is worth mentioning carefully.
In the broad human sense, a person can “repent” or turn in either direction. But biblically, the call of repentance unto life is always a turning to God. Turning away from truth toward unbelief is not saving repentance — it is hardening, falling away, apostasy.
That is why Scripture warns:
Hebrews 3:12–13
“See to it… that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.
But encourage one another daily…”
So the call is not just “change somehow.” It is:
turn to God,
turn to Christ,
turn from unbelief,
turn from sin,
turn from falsehood.
So let us gather it all together.
Repentance is central to the gospel.
It includes a change of mind.
It reaches the heart.
It is often accompanied by sorrow, but not mere sorrow.
It turns from sin and idols to God.
It belongs together with faith.
It confesses with the mouth that Jesus is Lord.
It believes in the heart that God raised Him from the dead.
It is brought to life by the Holy Spirit.
It is expressed outwardly in baptism.
It bears fruit.
And it continues in the Christian life.
So what must you do?
If you are in unbelief — repent and believe.
If you are in sin — turn back to God.
If you are trying to save yourself by religion — repent.
If you have confessed Christ outwardly but never believed in your heart — repent.
If you believe in your heart but refuse to identify with Christ in obedience — repent and be baptized.
If you are a believer growing cold — repent again and return.
Let me close with these words:
Mark 1:15
“Repent and believe the good news!”
Acts 2:38
“Repent and be baptized…”
Romans 10:9
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart… you will be saved.”
Acts 11:18
“God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
And finally:
Luke 15:7
“There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents…”
That is the mercy of God.
God does not call sinners to repentance because He delights in crushing them. He calls them because He delights to forgive, restore, and save through Jesus Christ.
Amen.
PS Endure to the end to be saved.
Brothers and sisters,
Today I want to preach on one of the most important themes in all the Bible: the fear of the Lord.
This is a subject that many people do not understand well. Some avoid it because the word fear sounds harsh to modern ears. Some reduce it to mere respect, as if it means almost nothing.
Some think it belongs only to the Old Testament and has no real place for the Christian. Others think fear of the Lord means only terror, dread, and the feeling of being pushed away from God.
But the Bible speaks differently.
The fear of the Lord is not a minor subject.
It is not an outdated subject.
It is not a gloomy subject.
It is not a contradiction of grace.
It is not the opposite of love.
It is not the enemy of joy.
It is not the death of intimacy with God.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
It is the root of holy living.
It is the doorway to true knowledge.
It is the death of pride.
It is the soil in which obedience grows.
It is the atmosphere of true worship.
It is the right response of the creature before the Creator, the sinner before the Holy One, and the redeemed child before the glorious Father.
So today I want to preach on:
what the fear of the Lord is,
what it is not,
why it is the beginning of wisdom,
how it produces obedience and holiness,
how it differs from mere terror,
and how the coming of Christ does not remove it, but purifies it and deepens it.
Let us begin where the Bible begins: with God Himself.
The fear of the Lord does not begin with man thinking about himself. It begins with a right vision of God.
When men have a small view of God, they lose the fear of the Lord. When God is reduced in the mind to a friendly helper, a passive observer, or a vague spiritual force, reverence dies. But when God is seen as holy, glorious, righteous, sovereign, and mighty, then the soul begins to understand what the fear of the Lord means.
Listen to Isaiah:
Isaiah 6:1–5
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple.
Above him were seraphim… And they were calling to one another:
‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory.’
At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.
‘Woe to me!’ I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips… and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.’”
That is fear of the Lord beginning in a human soul.
Isaiah did not yawn before God.
He did not become casual before God.
He did not say, “This is interesting.”
He cried, “Woe to me!”
Why? Because the holiness of God exposed him.
That is the beginning of the fear of the Lord: a right sight of God’s majesty.
Listen to Moses:
Deuteronomy 10:12, 17
“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul…
For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome…”
There it is. Why fear the Lord? Because He is the great God, mighty and awesome.
And again:
Psalm 33:8–9
“Let all the earth fear the Lord;
let all the people of the world revere him.
For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.”
Creation itself calls for the fear of the Lord. He speaks, and worlds appear. He commands, and things stand fast. He is not small. He is not light. He is not to be treated as common.
Now we must define the fear of the Lord carefully.
The fear of the Lord is not exactly the same as the terror of a guilty criminal expecting execution. It includes trembling, yes. It includes seriousness, yes. But it is more than panic. It is reverent awe, holy trembling, humble submission, deep respect, and a consciousness of God’s greatness that leads a person to worship, obey, and hate evil.
The Bible sometimes joins fear with delight.
Psalm 112:1
“Blessed are those who fear the Lord,
who find great delight in his commands.”
Notice that. Fear and delight together.
The fear of the Lord is not grim misery. It is not joyless religion. It is not a cowering that cannot draw near. It is a holy reverence that bows before God and delights in His will.
Again:
Psalm 130:3–4
“If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you.”
That is a remarkable verse. Forgiveness does not destroy reverence. It creates it. Grace does not make us careless with God. Grace makes us worship Him more deeply.
So the fear of the Lord is not the opposite of grace. It is grace received rightly.
This is one of the clearest repeated truths in Scripture.
Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Proverbs 1:7
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Psalm 111:10
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.”
Job 28:28
“And he said to the human race,
‘The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom,
and to shun evil is understanding.’”
This means wisdom does not begin with intelligence. Wisdom does not begin with age alone. Wisdom does not begin with education alone. Wisdom begins when a person sees God rightly and takes Him seriously.
A man may be brilliant and still be a fool before God.
A woman may be highly educated and still be blind in the deepest way.
A society may advance in technology and still collapse morally because it has lost the fear of the Lord.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom because it puts everything else in proper order.
When God is first, everything starts to make sense.
When God is ignored, even clever people become fools.
That is exactly what Romans says about fallen humanity:
Romans 1:21–22
“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him…
Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.”
What happened? They lost the fear of the Lord. They did not glorify Him as God.
So wisdom begins where pride ends. Wisdom begins when man says: God is God, and I am not.
The fear of the Lord is not an abstract feeling. It produces moral seriousness.
Proverbs 8:13
“To fear the Lord is to hate evil;
I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech.”
That is one of the clearest definitions in the Bible.
To fear the Lord is to hate evil.
If a man says he fears God but loves wickedness, that is not the fear of the Lord.
If a woman says she reveres God but excuses pride, deceit, bitterness, or immorality, that is not the fear of the Lord.
The fear of the Lord hates what God hates.
Proverbs 16:6
“Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.”
Do you hear that? Through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided. Real reverence produces real restraint.
Joseph is a good example of this.
When tempted by Potiphar’s wife, he said:
Genesis 39:9
“How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”
That is the fear of the Lord in action. Joseph did not define adultery merely as a bad career move or a social problem. He saw it as sin against God.
That is what the fear of the Lord does. It personalizes holiness. It makes sin serious because God is present.
The fear of the Lord is never separated from obedience in Scripture.
Deuteronomy 5:29
“Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always…”
Deuteronomy 10:20
“Fear the Lord your God and serve him…”
Ecclesiastes 12:13
“Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the duty of all mankind.”
The fear of the Lord is not just an inward mood. It is a practical way of living.
It makes a man watch his speech.
It makes a woman guard her purity.
It makes the believer careful with truth.
It makes the church serious about worship.
It makes the soul tremble at Scripture.
Isaiah 66:2
“These are the ones I look on with favor:
those who are humble and contrite in spirit,
and who tremble at my word.”
That is the fear of the Lord. Trembling at His word. Not dismissing it. Not editing it. Not casually ignoring it.
The person who fears the Lord does not treat His commands as suggestions. He receives them as holy and good.
This is another important balance. The fear of the Lord is not dark and corrupting. It is clean.
Psalm 19:9
“The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.”
And it is life-giving.
Proverbs 14:27
“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
turning a person from the snares of death.”
Proverbs 19:23
“The fear of the Lord leads to life;
then one rests content, untouched by trouble.”
This is important because some people hear “fear” and think only of bondage. But the fear of the Lord is a fountain of life because it turns the soul from death.
To fear sin less than God is death.
To fear man more than God is bondage.
But to fear the Lord rightly is life.
Why? Because it aligns the soul with reality. It puts us under the shelter of truth.
Pride and the fear of the Lord cannot live together comfortably.
Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.”
Proverbs 15:33
“Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord,
and humility comes before honor.”
Proverbs 22:4
“Humility is the fear of the Lord;
its wages are riches and honor and life.”
That is striking: humility is the fear of the Lord.
The proud man thinks much of himself and little of God.
The humble man sees himself in the light of God and takes his proper place.
This is why the fear of the Lord is so needed. We live in an age intoxicated with self-expression, self-exaltation, self-trust, and self-definition. But Scripture says wisdom begins not with self-glory, but with the fear of the Lord.
Nebuchadnezzar is a great example of the absence and then recovery of this.
He walked on the roof of his palace and said:
Daniel 4:30
“Is not this the great Babylon I have built…”
Then God humbled him, and later he said:
Daniel 4:37
“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven…
And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.”
The fear of the Lord is the death of pride.
The Bible often connects the fear of the Lord with preservation.
Proverbs 3:7–8
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
That is a striking promise. The fear of the Lord is not only morally right; it is spiritually healthy.
When a person becomes wise in his own eyes, he begins to drift into danger. Self-trust is a trap. But when a person fears the Lord and shuns evil, there is protection in that path.
Again:
Proverbs 14:26
“Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress,
and for their children it will be a refuge.”
Psalm 34:7
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.”
Psalm 85:9
“Surely his salvation is near those who fear him…”
This does not mean the one who fears the Lord never suffers. The Bible never teaches that. But it does mean the fear of the Lord places the soul in the path of divine favor, wisdom, protection, and refuge.
The person who fears God is guarded from many self-inflicted wounds because reverence restrains folly.
The Bible compares the fear of the Lord with worldly abundance and shows that reverence is better.
Proverbs 15:16
“Better a little with the fear of the Lord
than great wealth with turmoil.”
That is a needed word in every generation.
The world says:
more money,
more status,
more comfort,
more applause.
Scripture says:
better a little with the fear of the Lord.
What a contrast. A little with God is better than abundance without Him. Wealth without reverence is not blessing in the deepest sense. A poor saint who fears God is richer than a proud millionaire who lives without Him.
And again:
Proverbs 16:6
“Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.”
The fear of the Lord is more valuable than possessions because it guards the soul.
Worship without the fear of the Lord becomes shallow, performative, and man-centered. The fear of the Lord restores gravity to worship.
Psalm 2:11
“Serve the Lord with fear
and celebrate his rule with trembling.”
Notice those words together:
serve with fear,
rejoice with trembling.
That balance is beautiful. The fear of the Lord does not cancel joy. It purifies joy. It keeps joy from becoming flippancy.
And again:
Hebrews 12:28–29
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,
for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’”
That is New Testament language. Worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
We are thankful, yes.
We are joyful, yes.
But we are never casual with the holy God.
The church desperately needs this today. Much of what passes for worship has energy but little reverence, volume but little awe, familiarity but little trembling. Yet Scripture says acceptable worship includes reverence and awe.
Why? Because God has not changed. He is still holy. He is still consuming fire.
This is a point that must be made very clearly.
Some people imagine that the coming of grace in Christ removed the fear of the Lord. But the Bible says otherwise. Grace does not destroy reverence. Grace deepens it.
We already saw:
Psalm 130:4
“But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you.”
Forgiveness produces reverence.
And the early church is described like this:
Acts 9:31
“Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened.
Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.”
That is after the resurrection. After Pentecost. After the outpouring of the Spirit. And the church is still living in the fear of the Lord.
So grace and fear belong together.
Why? Because grace shows us not less of God’s holiness, but more. At the cross we see how serious sin is, how real judgment is, how costly redemption is, and how holy God remains even while showing mercy.
If the Son of God had to bleed, then sin is not small.
If the Father did not spare His own Son, then holiness is not negotiable.
If salvation cost Calvary, then grace should never make us casual.
This is a beautiful and often overlooked truth.
Isaiah prophesied of the Messiah:
Isaiah 11:2–3
“The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.”
That is remarkable. The coming Messiah would delight in the fear of the Lord.
Jesus is not only the One who teaches us the fear of the Lord. He is the One who perfectly embodied reverent obedience before the Father.
He said:
John 8:29
“…I always do what pleases him.”
And in Gethsemane:
Luke 22:42
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
That is holy reverence in action.
Hebrews also says:
Hebrews 5:7
“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears… and he was heard because of his reverent submission.”
There it is again in New Testament language: reverent submission.
So when we preach the fear of the Lord, we are not preaching something Christ is distant from. We are preaching something Christ fulfilled perfectly.
Some people struggle here. They think, “If I fear God, can I also love Him? If I love Him, can I still fear Him?” Scripture answers yes.
In fact, true love for God and true fear of God belong together.
Deuteronomy 10:12
“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God… to love him…”
Fear and love are side by side.
Why? Because love without reverence becomes sentimental shallowness. Reverence without love becomes cold dread. But biblical faith has both.
A healthy child may love a good father and still have reverence for him. In a far deeper way, the people of God love the Father and fear Him rightly.
That is why Peter says to believers:
1 Peter 1:17
“Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.”
Notice that: you call on a Father, therefore live in reverent fear. Fatherhood and reverent fear are not opposites.
The gospel does not turn God into a casual companion. It brings us into adopted sonship with reverence.
One of the great practical effects of fearing God is that it frees us from being ruled by lesser fears.
Proverbs 29:25
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”
When the fear of God declines, the fear of man grows. If you do not tremble before God, you will eventually tremble before people, governments, opinions, threats, trends, or loss of reputation.
But when God is in His proper place, lesser fears begin to shrink.
This is why the apostles could say:
Acts 5:29
“We must obey God rather than human beings!”
That is the fear of the Lord overcoming the fear of man.
This is why the Hebrew midwives feared God more than Pharaoh.
Exodus 1:17
“The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do…”
This is why Daniel kept praying when the decree was signed.
Daniel 6:10
“…he got down on his knees and prayed… just as he had done before.”
Why? Because he feared God more than lions.
This is why Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would not bow.
Daniel 3:17–18
“The God we serve is able to deliver us…
But even if he does not… we will not serve your gods…”
The fear of the Lord is the cure for cowardice before men.
The Bible is also clear that when the fear of the Lord is absent, sin multiplies.
Romans 3:18
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
That is Paul’s summary of fallen humanity in rebellion. No fear of God before their eyes.
Why do men speak wickedly, act corruptly, oppress others, ignore truth, and live in immorality? Because there is no fear of God before their eyes.
Joseph’s brothers lacked the fear of God in how they treated him. Pharaoh lacked the fear of God in how he defied the Lord. Belshazzar lacked the fear of God when he mocked holy things. Ananias and Sapphira forgot the fear of God when they lied to the Spirit.
And what happened?
Judgment. Exposure. Collapse.
The fear of the Lord is a moral anchor. Remove it, and sin spreads quickly.
The fear of the Lord is not only for isolated individuals. It should characterize the church.
Again:
Acts 9:31
“Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit…”
That is a beautiful combination:
fear of the Lord,
encouragement of the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit does not remove reverence. He deepens it.
The church should be marked by:
seriousness about truth,
humility in worship,
carefulness with sin,
honesty before God,
and joyful awe.
When the church loses the fear of the Lord, several things usually happen:
sin becomes casual,
worship becomes man-centered,
preaching becomes shallow,
discipline disappears,
and holiness fades.
But when the fear of the Lord returns, truth becomes weighty again, repentance becomes real, and worship becomes alive with reverent joy.
The fear of the Lord is not only a present duty. It belongs to the final vision of God’s glory among the nations.
Revelation 15:3–4
“Great and marvelous are your deeds,
Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
King of the nations.
Who will not fear you, Lord,
and bring glory to your name?”
That is where history is going. The nations that rage now, the rulers who boast now, the sinners who mock now — all will finally know that the Lord alone is God.
And the redeemed will fear Him not with terror of condemnation, but with everlasting awe and worship.
Now let us end with Christ, because no biblical sermon is complete without Him.
Christ does not remove the fear of the Lord by making God small. Christ brings us into it rightly by reconciling us to the Father.
Outside Christ, a sinner has every reason to dread judgment.
In Christ, the believer is reconciled, forgiven, adopted, and brought near.
But brought near to whom? The same holy God.
That means the Christian fear of God is not servile terror, but reverent sonship.
We do not fear being cast away because Christ has borne our condemnation.
Romans 8:1
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,”
But we do fear God in the sense of reverent awe, holy submission, and grateful trembling.
The cross itself teaches this. There we see:
how holy God is,
how serious sin is,
how real judgment is,
how costly grace is.
So the cross kills both casual irreverence and hopeless terror. It gives us a holy, grateful fear.
So let us gather it all together.
The fear of the Lord begins with seeing God as He is.
It is not mere terror, but reverent awe.
It is the beginning of wisdom.
It leads to hatred of evil.
It produces obedience.
It is pure and life-giving.
It humbles pride.
It protects the soul.
It is better than wealth.
It belongs to worship.
It is not cancelled by grace.
It was perfectly seen in Christ.
It belongs with love.
It casts out the fear of man.
Its absence leads to sin.
It should mark the church.
And it will fill the new creation in worship.
So what should you do?
Ask God to teach you the fear of the Lord.
Turn from casualness.
Turn from pride.
Tremble at His word.
Hate evil.
Love holiness.
Worship with reverence.
Serve with joy and trembling.
And come to Christ, in whom forgiven sinners learn to fear God rightly.
Let me close with these words:
Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…”
Psalm 34:11
“Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13
“Fear God and keep his commandments…”
Hebrews 12:28–29
“let us… worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,
for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’”
And finally:
Psalm 25:14
“The Lord confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.”
What a beautiful ending. The fear of the Lord does not push the soul away from God’s covenant mercy. It brings the soul into deeper fellowship with Him.
Amen.
Brothers and sisters,
Today I want to preach on one of the greatest privileges given to the people of God: prayer.
Prayer is one of the simplest things a child can begin to do, and one of the deepest things a mature saint will ever learn. Prayer is one of the most familiar words in the church, and yet one of the least understood and least practiced realities in the Christian life.
Many speak about prayer.
Many admire prayer.
Many say prayer is important.
Many promise to pray.
But the real question is: do we pray?
Because the Bible does not present prayer as a decorative part of Christianity. It is not a religious extra. It is not a pious accessory. It is not merely a backup plan for emergencies. Prayer is one of the chief ways the believer lives before God.
Prayer is how the weak call on the strong.
Prayer is how the child speaks to the Father.
Prayer is how the sinner cries for mercy.
Prayer is how the believer confesses dependence.
Prayer is how the church asks for power.
Prayer is how burdens are cast on the Lord.
Prayer is how thanksgiving rises.
Prayer is how temptation is resisted.
Prayer is how faith breathes.
So today I want to preach on prayer:
what it is,
why we pray,
how Jesus taught us to pray,
what hinders prayer,
the place of confession, thanksgiving, faith, persistence, and intercession,
and how a life of prayer shapes the whole Christian walk.
Let us begin with the most basic truth.
Prayer makes sense because God is real, God is near, God hears, and God speaks.
If God were not there, prayer would be empty sound.
If God were deaf, prayer would be useless.
If God were uncaring, prayer would be pointless.
But the Bible presents the living God as the One who hears.
Psalm 65:2
“You who answer prayer,
to you all people will come.”
That is one of the simplest and most beautiful descriptions of God in all Scripture: You who answer prayer.
Again:
Psalm 145:18–19
“The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.”
And again:
Jeremiah 33:3
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
Prayer begins with the reality that God is not absent. He is the living God. He is not an idol with ears that do not hear.
Psalm 115:4–7
“But their idols are silver and gold…
They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but cannot see;
they have ears, but cannot hear…”
But the Lord is not like that.
He sees.
He hears.
He knows.
He responds.
That is why Elijah mocked the prophets of Baal. Baal was nothing. But the God of Israel was the living God who hears by fire and hears by rain.
Prayer is rooted in the truth that the Lord is alive.
At its heart, prayer is not merely asking for things. It is drawing near to God Himself.
Hebrews 4:16
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence…”
That is a staggering verse.
Not run from Him.
Approach Him.
Not the throne of mere terror.
The throne of grace.
Not with arrogant entitlement.
With confidence through Christ.
Prayer is coming before God.
Prayer is entering His presence.
Prayer is the soul turning toward the Lord and speaking with Him.
That is why the Psalms are so full of direct address:
Psalm 5:1–3
“Listen to my words, Lord,
consider my lament.
Hear my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice…”
David does not speak about God only. He speaks to God.
That is prayer.
And this is one of the greatest privileges of the new covenant. Through Christ, prayer is not distant ceremony. It is access.
Ephesians 2:18
“For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”
So when the believer prays, he is not sending wishes into the air. He is drawing near to the Father through the Son by the Holy Spirit.
Prayer is not optional for the Christian life.
Jesus said:
Luke 18:1
“…they should always pray and not give up.”
Paul says:
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“pray continually,”
And again:
Colossians 4:2
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
And again:
Ephesians 6:18
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”
Prayer is commanded because dependence on God is not optional. If we are creatures, if we are weak, if we are needy, if we are redeemed by grace, then prayer is fitting.
A prayerless life is a proud life.
A prayerless life is a self-sufficient life.
A prayerless life forgets who God is and who we are.
The command to pray is really a command to live in dependence.
One of the strongest reasons prayer matters is that Jesus prayed.
If anyone could have been excused from prayer in the eyes of human reasoning, it would have been the sinless Son of God. And yet again and again in the Gospels, Jesus is found praying.
Mark 1:35
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”
Luke 5:16
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
Luke 6:12
“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.”
Luke 9:18
“Once when Jesus was praying in private…”
Luke 9:28–29
“Jesus took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.
As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed…”
And in Gethsemane:
Luke 22:41–42
“He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed,
‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.’”
Jesus prayed in solitude.
Jesus prayed before major decisions.
Jesus prayed in suffering.
Jesus prayed in submission.
Jesus prayed in dependence as the obedient Son.
If the sinless Christ lived a prayerful life, how much more must we?
When the disciples saw Jesus praying, they asked Him:
Luke 11:1
“Lord, teach us to pray…”
That is one of the best requests a believer can make.
And Jesus answered with what we commonly call the Lord’s Prayer.
Matthew 6:9–13
“This, then, is how you should pray:
‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’”
This prayer is not merely something to recite mechanically. It is a pattern, a school of prayer.
Notice what it teaches.
First: Our Father in heaven.
Prayer begins with relationship and reverence.
Not “my distant force.”
Not “my private spirituality.”
Our Father in heaven.
Second: Hallowed be your name.
Prayer begins with God’s glory, not our shopping list.
Third: Your kingdom come, your will be done.
Prayer is submission before it is petition. It seeks God’s rule and God’s will.
Fourth: Give us today our daily bread.
Prayer brings real needs to God. Daily bread matters.
Fifth: Forgive us.
Prayer includes confession and the need for mercy.
Sixth: as we forgive.
Prayer is morally serious. The praying life and the forgiving life are tied together.
Seventh: lead us not into temptation, but deliver us.
Prayer knows spiritual warfare is real and we need help.
This model of prayer keeps our praying from becoming small, selfish, or shallow.
Biblical prayer is not only asking. It includes worship.
The Psalms teach us this constantly.
Psalm 103:1–2
“Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—”
Psalm 95:1–2, 6
“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord…
let us come before him with thanksgiving…
Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;”
Sometimes our prayers become weak because they begin and end with ourselves. But when prayer begins with the glory of God, the soul is lifted.
Adoration reminds us:
who God is,
how great He is,
how holy He is,
how faithful He is,
how good He is.
Adoration is not wasted time. It is right order.
A prayerless man often carries unconfessed sin. A praying man must learn to deal honestly with God.
Psalm 32:3–5
“When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away…
Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity…
And you forgave
the guilt of my sin.”
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins…”
Psalm 51:1–4
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love…
For I know my transgressions…”
Prayer must not be all polished religious language. It must include honest confession.
David did not say, “I made a minor error.”
He said, “My sin.”
And then:
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God…”
That is prayer at its deepest — not only asking for relief, but for cleansing and renewal.
Gratitude belongs to prayer.
Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Colossians 4:2
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances…”
Thanksgiving protects prayer from becoming selfish complaint. It teaches the soul to remember what God has already done.
A thankful believer prays differently. He does not come as if God has never been good. He comes remembering mercies:
daily bread,
forgiveness,
preservation,
answered prayers,
Christ Himself.
Thanksgiving is not denial of trouble. It is worship in the midst of trouble.
Prayer is not less than asking. The Bible openly invites us to bring requests to God.
Jesus said:
Matthew 7:7–11
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives…
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts…”
And again:
John 14:13–14
“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
Now this must be read in the whole counsel of God. “In my name” does not mean tacking the name of Jesus onto selfish desires. It means praying in alignment with His person, His will, and His glory.
But it still means we should ask. Not hesitate. Not treat prayer as though God dislikes requests. He is a Father.
And James says:
James 4:2
“You do not have because you do not ask God.”
Some lack is not because God is powerless, but because we do not pray.
Prayer is not magic, but prayer should be offered in faith.
Mark 11:22–24
“‘Have faith in God,’ Jesus answered…
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
James 1:5–6
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God…
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt…”
This does not mean we become dictators over God. It does mean we pray trusting His character and power.
Faith in prayer is not faith in our emotions.
It is not faith in wording.
It is not faith in intensity.
It is faith in God.
And that means faith can pray boldly while still submitting to the will of God.
Again, Jesus shows the perfect balance:
Luke 22:42
“…yet not my will, but yours be done.”
That is not unbelief. That is holy faith.
Jesus warned that prayer can be corrupted by pride.
Matthew 6:5–6
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others…
But when you pray, go into your room…”
That does not forbid public prayer. Scripture clearly includes public prayer. It does forbid praying to impress.
Prayer is not theater.
Prayer is not image-management.
Prayer is not spiritual performance.
God looks at the heart.
Jesus also warns against empty repetition:
Matthew 6:7–8
“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans…
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
That does not mean repeated prayer is always wrong, because Jesus Himself teaches persistence. It means empty, mechanical, superstitious verbosity is not true prayer.
Real prayer is not trying to manipulate God by volume or formula.
Now let us come to persistence, because the Bible strongly teaches it.
Jesus told the parable of the persistent widow precisely so that:
Luke 18:1
“…they should always pray and not give up.”
The widow kept coming. The point is not that God is reluctant like the unjust judge. The point is that if even an unjust judge finally responds, how much more will the righteous God hear His people.
Luke 18:7
“And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?”
And in Luke 11, after giving the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches persistence again:
Luke 11:8–10
“…because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.
So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you…”
Prayer is not one knock only. Sometimes prayer waits, knocks again, and keeps asking.
Why does God sometimes delay? Many reasons are hidden in His wisdom. But delay is not always denial. Sometimes the delay trains faith, deepens desire, humbles pride, and teaches perseverance.
The Bible never presents prayer as something only for easy seasons. In fact, some of the deepest prayers rise in suffering.
David prayed in distress.
Psalm 61:1–2
“Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint…”
Jonah prayed from the fish.
Jonah 2:1–2
“From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God.
He said: ‘In my distress I called to the Lord…’”
Hezekiah prayed under threat.
Isaiah 37:14–15
“Hezekiah received the letter… and spread it out before the Lord.
And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord…”
Jesus prayed in anguish.
Hebrews 5:7
“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears…”
Prayer is not cancelled by pain. Often pain drives prayer deeper.
And James says:
James 5:13
“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray.”
Not merely think.
Not merely panic.
Let them pray.
Prayer is essential in spiritual battle.
Jesus told His disciples:
Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
That is one of the most practical verses in the Bible. The flesh is weak. Therefore pray.
Paul joins prayer with the armor of God:
Ephesians 6:18
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests…”
A prayerless Christian soldier is an unready soldier.
The believer who does not pray is exposed:
to temptation,
to discouragement,
to deception,
to fear,
to pride.
Prayer is not everything in spiritual warfare, but nothing can replace it.
Prayer and the Word belong together.
God speaks in His Word. We answer in prayer.
That is one reason the Psalms are so precious. They teach us how the Word becomes prayer.
And Scripture itself often gives us language for prayer.
Psalm 119:18
“Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.”
That is a prayer for illumination.
Psalm 139:23–24
“Search me, God, and know my heart…
See if there is any offensive way in me…”
That is a prayer for self-examination.
Psalm 86:11
“Teach me your way, Lord,
that I may rely on your faithfulness…”
That is a prayer for guidance and integrity.
Prayer grows weak when detached from Scripture, because then we begin praying according to mere impulse. But when the Word fills the mind, prayer is strengthened, corrected, and enriched.
The book of Acts shows us a praying church.
They prayed in waiting:
Acts 1:14
“They all joined together constantly in prayer…”
They prayed in crisis:
Acts 4:24
“When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God…”
They prayed for boldness:
Acts 4:29–31
“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness…
After they prayed… they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”
They prayed for guidance:
Acts 13:2–3
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting…
So after they had fasted and prayed…”
They prayed in prison contexts:
Acts 12:5
“So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.”
They prayed and God acted.
That does not mean every prayer gets the exact outcome we imagine. It does mean the church in Acts was not prayerless, and its power was not independent of prayer.
Prayer is not only about ourselves. It includes intercession.
Abraham interceded for Sodom.
Genesis 18:23
“Then Abraham approached him and said: ‘Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?’”
Moses interceded for Israel.
Exodus 32:11
“But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God…”
Samuel said:
1 Samuel 12:23
“Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you.”
Paul constantly prayed for churches.
Ephesians 1:16–19
“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ… may give you the Spirit of wisdom…”
Philippians 1:9
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more…”
Intercession is one of the great acts of love. To pray for another is to carry that person before God.
We should pray:
for the church,
for family,
for the lost,
for rulers,
for workers,
for the suffering,
for gospel advance.
1 Timothy 2:1–2
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people…”
The Bible also teaches that some things hinder prayer.
Psalm 66:18
“If I had cherished sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened;”
James 4:3
“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives…”
Mark 11:25
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them…”
1 Peter 3:7
“…so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
James 1:6–7
“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt…”
This does not mean believers never struggle. It does mean we must not live in settled distrust of God.
Prayerlessness is often not just weakness. Sometimes it is entangled with sin, pride, distraction, and worldly dependence.
One of the sweetest truths about prayer is that we are not left alone in it.
Romans 8:26–27
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us…”
That is comforting. Even mature believers do not always know what to pray as they ought. But the Spirit helps.
And Jude says:
Jude 20
“But you, dear friends… praying in the Holy Spirit,”
Prayer in the Spirit is prayer in dependence on Him, under His influence, in alignment with God’s will, and with Christ at the center.
Our confidence in prayer does not rest in our performance, but in Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:34
“Christ Jesus who died… is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
Hebrews 7:25
“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
That means the believer never comes to God alone. Christ is our mediator.
1 Timothy 2:5
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,”
So prayer is not grounded in our worthiness. It is grounded in Christ’s priesthood, Christ’s blood, and Christ’s intercession.
That is why we pray in Jesus’ name.
At the end of all this, prayer is not just an activity. It is a posture.
To live prayerfully is to live dependently.
The prayerless person says:
I can manage.
I can carry it.
I can decide alone.
I can resist temptation alone.
I can serve without divine help.
The praying person says:
I need You.
Give me daily bread.
Lead me.
Forgive me.
Keep me.
Strengthen me.
Deliver me.
Use me.
Help me.
That is why prayer is so basic and so profound. It puts us in the truth about ourselves and about God.
So let us gather it all together.
Prayer begins with the living God who hears.
Prayer is drawing near to Him.
Prayer is commanded.
Jesus prayed and taught us to pray.
Prayer includes worship, confession, thanksgiving, asking, submission, and intercession.
Prayer requires faith and persistence.
Prayer belongs in suffering and temptation.
Prayer and the Word belong together.
The early church was marked by prayer.
Sin, pride, wrong motives, and unforgiveness hinder prayer.
The Holy Spirit helps us pray.
Christ intercedes for us.
And the praying life is a life of dependence.
So what must we do?
Pray.
Pray in the morning.
Pray in the night.
Pray in joy.
Pray in grief.
Pray when strong.
Pray when weak.
Pray when words come easily.
Pray when all you can say is, “Lord, save me.”
Pray when there is bread.
Pray when the cupboard is empty.
Pray for your family.
Pray for the church.
Pray for the lost.
Pray for holiness.
Pray for wisdom.
Pray for boldness.
Pray for mercy.
Pray and do not give up.
Let me close with these words:
Jeremiah 33:3
“Call to me and I will answer you…”
Luke 18:1
“…always pray and not give up.”
Philippians 4:6–7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God… will guard your hearts…”
Hebrews 4:16
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence…”
And finally:
James 5:16
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Amen.
Brothers and sisters,
Today I want to preach on one of the greatest themes in all of Scripture: the Kingdom of God.
This is not a small doctrine.
It is not a side issue.
It is not merely a phrase for theologians to discuss.
It is one of the central realities of the Bible.
Jesus came preaching the Kingdom of God.
He taught the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.
He demonstrated the power of the Kingdom of God.
He told His disciples to seek first the Kingdom of God.
He taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come.”
And the Bible ends with the Kingdom of this world becoming the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.
So if we do not understand the Kingdom of God, we will miss something central about the message of Jesus.
Many people think only of heaven when they hear the word kingdom. Others think only of politics, governments, or earthly institutions. But the Kingdom of God is deeper and greater than all of that.
The Kingdom of God is the reign of God.
It is God’s rule breaking in.
It is His authority, His power, His righteousness, His salvation, His judgment, His peace, and His King.
So today I want to preach on:
what the Kingdom of God is,
how the Old Testament prepares us for it,
how Jesus announces it,
how it is present now and still coming,
what kingdom people look like,
and how the Kingdom of God will come in final victory.
Let us begin at the foundation.
Before we talk about the Kingdom of God as Jesus preached it, we must begin with the basic truth that God is King.
The Kingdom of God is not invented in the New Testament. It grows out of the whole Bible’s vision of God’s kingship.
Psalm 103:19
“The Lord has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.”
That is foundational. God is already King over all creation. His kingdom rules over all. There is no place where He is not sovereign.
Psalm 145:13
“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.”
Daniel 4:34–35
“His dominion is an eternal dominion;
his kingdom endures from generation to generation.
All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing.
He does as he pleases…”
So in the broadest sense, God has always been King. He created the world. He rules the nations. He raises up rulers and brings them down. He governs history.
But when the Bible speaks of the Kingdom of God in the preaching of Jesus, it speaks not only of God’s universal sovereignty, but of His saving, reigning rule breaking in with power in history through the Messiah.
So we must keep both truths together:
God is always sovereign over all,
and the Kingdom comes in a special redemptive sense through Christ.
The Old Testament is full of kingdom expectation.
God made promises to Abraham that all nations would be blessed.
Genesis 12:2–3
“I will make you into a great nation…
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”
He raised up kings in Israel. He gave David covenant promises.
2 Samuel 7:12–13
“I will raise up your offspring to succeed you…
and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.”
That is huge. A throne. A kingdom. Forever.
The Psalms develop this expectation.
Psalm 2:6–8
“I have installed my king
on Zion, my holy mountain…
Ask me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance…”
Psalm 72:8, 11
“May he rule from sea to sea…
May all kings bow down to him
and all nations serve him.”
Psalm 89:3–4
“I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to David my servant,
‘I will establish your line forever…’”
Then the prophets look ahead to a coming king and coming kingdom.
Isaiah 9:6–7
“For to us a child is born…
and the government will be on his shoulders…
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne…”
Isaiah 11:1–5
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse…
with righteousness he will judge the needy…”
Daniel 2:44
“In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed…”
Daniel 7:13–14
“…there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven…
He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion…”
So by the time Jesus comes, the people of God are waiting for God’s kingdom to come in a new and climactic way through His anointed King.
When Jesus begins His public ministry, this is His message:
Mark 1:14–15
“Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.
‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’”
That is one of the key texts in the whole Bible.
The time has come.
The kingdom of God has come near.
Repent and believe.
So the Kingdom of God is not just an abstract truth. It is announced as good news. Why? Because in Jesus, God’s saving reign is breaking in.
Matthew often says “kingdom of heaven,” while Mark and Luke usually say “kingdom of God.” In practice, these refer to the same reality, with “kingdom of heaven” being a reverent Jewish way of speaking about God’s kingdom.
Jesus preached the Kingdom everywhere.
Matthew 4:23
“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom…”
Luke 4:43
“But he said, ‘I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.’”
That is striking. Jesus says this is why He was sent.
Not just to gather crowds.
Not just to heal bodies.
Not just to amaze people.
But to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God.
Now what is the Kingdom of God exactly?
It is not first a piece of land.
It is not first a political structure.
It is not first an earthly nation-state.
It is first the reign of God — His saving rule, His authority, His power, His kingship breaking in through Christ.
This is why Jesus can say:
Luke 11:20
“But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”
That means where Jesus conquers demons, the kingdom is present. Where Christ drives back darkness, the kingdom is at work. Where sin is forgiven, where the sick are healed as signs of His authority, where Satan is overthrown, where the gospel is preached — the kingdom is manifesting itself.
The kingdom comes in the King.
You cannot separate the kingdom from Jesus.
To receive the King is to enter the kingdom.
To reject the King is to remain outside the kingdom.
This is why the kingdom is both:
already present in Jesus’ ministry,
and not yet fully manifested until His return.
This is one of the great tensions of the New Testament.
The Kingdom has come near.
The Kingdom has come upon you.
And yet we still pray, “Your kingdom come.”
So the kingdom is already here in one sense, and still coming in another.
Luke 17:20–21
“The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed…
because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”
Why? Because the King was standing there.
Matthew 12:28
“But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”
The kingdom was already present in Christ’s person and power.
And yet Jesus also teaches us to pray:
Matthew 6:10
“your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.”
And Paul speaks of the kingdom as something to inherit.
1 Corinthians 6:9–10
“…wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God…”
So the kingdom is already present in Christ, in the Spirit, in the church, in salvation — and it is still coming in final visible fullness when Christ returns.
Theologians often call this the already and not yet of the kingdom.
Already:
the King has come,
Satan has been struck,
the gospel is going out,
the Spirit has been poured out.
Not yet:
all enemies are not yet visibly put under Christ’s feet,
death is not yet destroyed in experience,
the new creation is not yet fully revealed.
So we live in this tension:
the kingdom has begun,
the kingdom is advancing,
the kingdom will be consummated.
Because the kingdom is God’s reign, it demands response.
Jesus did not say only, “The kingdom is near.” He said:
Mark 1:15
“Repent and believe the good news!”
The kingdom is good news — but not good news that leaves us unchanged. The coming of the kingdom is a summons.
Repent.
Believe.
Submit.
Receive the King.
You cannot cling to sin and enter the kingdom.
You cannot enthrone self and receive God’s reign.
You cannot love darkness and enjoy the kingdom of light.
This is why Jesus tells Nicodemus:
John 3:3, 5
“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again…
no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”
Entrance into the kingdom requires new birth.
Not just religion.
Not just morality.
Not just Jewish heritage.
Not just church attendance.
New birth by the Spirit.
One of the clearest kingdom passages is the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount.
Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Notice that. The kingdom belongs not to the proud, self-sufficient, self-righteous, spiritually arrogant. It belongs to the poor in spirit — those who know their need before God.
And again:
Matthew 5:10
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
This tells us something important: the kingdom is not worldly power in the ordinary sense. The citizens of the kingdom are often persecuted, meek, mourning, hungry for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers.
The Beatitudes describe kingdom people.
The kingdom does not create proud conquerors according to the flesh. It creates humble, holy, God-dependent people.
Jesus repeatedly taught the incomparable worth of the kingdom.
Matthew 13:44
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field…”
Matthew 13:45–46
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
That is how Jesus describes the kingdom.
It is not an optional extra.
It is not a side interest.
It is not one value among many equal values.
It is treasure.
It is the pearl of great price.
The man in the field sells all because he has found something worth more than all he had before. The merchant gives up lesser things because he has found the greater thing.
That is what the kingdom does. When the reign of God truly breaks into a life, values are rearranged.
Things that once seemed ultimate are exposed as lesser.
Things that once ruled the heart lose their throne.
Christ and His kingdom become supreme.
This is why Jesus says:
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Not second.
Not when convenient.
Not after money, comfort, reputation, and personal plans.
Seek first the kingdom.
A kingdom-minded person asks:
What does God want?
What honors Christ?
What advances righteousness?
How does this fit under the reign of God?
Jesus also taught that the kingdom often grows quietly, gradually, and unexpectedly.
Mark 4:26–29
“This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground…
All by itself the soil produces grain…”
The kingdom is like seed. It is living, growing, and often hidden in its early stages.
Again:
Matthew 13:31–32
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field.
Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants…”
And again:
Matthew 13:33
“The kingdom of heaven is like yeast…”
This matters because many expect the kingdom to come only in ways the flesh admires: spectacle, instant dominance, public force, visible success. But Jesus says the kingdom often works like seed and leaven.
Quietly.
Steadily.
Powerfully.
Surely.
That means we must not despise small beginnings in gospel work. A sermon preached, a heart converted, a church planted, a child taught, a soul changed — these may look small, but kingdom life is in them.
The world often celebrates noise. The kingdom often advances through living seed.
The coming of the kingdom is good news, but it also creates conflict because the kingdom of darkness resists it.
When Jesus cast out demons, forgave sins, healed the sick, and proclaimed the gospel, He was not merely performing isolated miracles. He was invading Satan’s territory.
Luke 11:20–22
20 But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
21 “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. 22 But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder.
That is a picture of the kingdom breaking in by force against the kingdom of darkness.
Satan is the “strong man” in the sense that he held fallen humanity in bondage under sin, deception, accusation, and death. But Jesus says One stronger has come.
Christ is the stronger One.
He does not negotiate with darkness. He overpowers it.
He does not merely improve the old house. He plunders the strong man’s goods.
That means every true conversion is an act of kingdom deliverance.
When a sinner repents and believes, that is not a small moral adjustment. That is rescue from one dominion to another.
Colossians 1:13–14
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
There are not ultimately many neutral people floating between kingdoms. Humanity belongs either to darkness or to the Son. Salvation is a transfer of dominion.
That is why the kingdom is opposed. The devil does not surrender ground gladly. The gospel does not advance without resistance. But Christ is stronger.
Jesus said to Pilate:
John 18:36
“My kingdom is not of this world…”
That does not mean His kingdom has nothing to do with this world. It means its source, nature, and power are not earthly in the ordinary fallen sense.
It does not rise from human violence, political manipulation, military force, or fleshly ambition. It comes from above. It comes from God.
And yet it enters this world. It changes people in this world. It creates churches in this world. It transforms homes, priorities, values, speech, conduct, and hope in this world.
So the kingdom is not worldly, but it is world-impacting.
This is why Christians must be careful of two opposite errors.
One error is to make the kingdom merely private and invisible, with no effect on life, justice, mercy, holiness, or witness. That is too small.
The other error is to reduce the kingdom to earthly politics and institutional power. That is too low.
The kingdom is deeper than politics and broader than private feeling. It is the reign of God in Christ, entering human lives and history, now spiritually and finally in visible fullness.
Jesus was very clear that entrance into the kingdom is not by natural birth, religious status, or human achievement.
Again:
John 3:5
“No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”
That means the kingdom is entered by divine grace, not human pedigree.
And Jesus also said:
Mark 10:14–15
“Let the little children come to me… for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
That is powerful.
The kingdom is received, not earned.
It is entered like a child, not seized like a proud conqueror.
What does that mean? It means dependence, trust, lowliness, receptivity, lack of self-importance.
The proud Pharisee does not enter by boasting.
The tax collector enters crying for mercy.
Luke 18:13–14
“But the tax collector stood at a distance… ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.”
That is kingdom posture: humble dependence.
One of the most searching things Jesus says is this:
Matthew 5:20
“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
That would have shocked His hearers. The Pharisees looked extremely religious. But Jesus exposes the problem: their righteousness was often external, performative, and rooted in self-exaltation.
Kingdom righteousness is deeper.
It is not only:
no murder, but no hatred.
not only no adultery, but no lust.
not only public prayer, but secret communion.
not only giving, but giving without show.
not only clean hands, but clean hearts.
The Sermon on the Mount describes kingdom life. It is not a ladder by which sinners climb to earn the kingdom, but it does reveal the character of those living under God’s reign.
Because the kingdom is treasure, it also demands everything.
Jesus never preached the kingdom as cheap comfort without surrender.
Luke 9:23
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 14:33
“those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.”
That does not mean every believer will possess nothing materially in the same outward way. It means no one may hold anything back as ultimate over Christ.
The kingdom is free in the sense that it is given by grace.
But it is costly in the sense that it takes over the whole life.
You cannot receive the King and keep self on the throne.
This is why Jesus said:
Matthew 11:12
“…the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it.
”
Whatever the interpretive nuances of that verse, one clear truth is that the kingdom is not entered carelessly. There is urgency, seriousness, and spiritual intensity. It is not for the indifferent.
One of the most beautiful things about the kingdom is that it overturns worldly expectations.
Jesus did not announce that the kingdom belonged first to the self-satisfied, the elite, or the spiritually proud. He preached good news to the poor.
Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor…”
He said:
Luke 6:20
“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.”
He welcomed tax collectors and sinners. He received children. He healed the unclean. He drew near to those society despised.
That does not mean the kingdom belongs automatically to everyone materially poor or socially outcast. It means the kingdom breaks the pride of worldly status. It comes to those who know they need mercy.
This is why Jesus said:
Matthew 21:31
“…the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.”
Why? Because many of them repented, while proud religion resisted.
The kingdom humiliates pride and exalts grace.
Paul gives us a very important summary:
Romans 14:17
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
That verse matters because it reminds us the kingdom is not primarily external ritual. It is not reduced to food laws, ceremonial boundary markers, or outward forms alone.
The kingdom is:
righteousness,
peace,
joy in the Holy Spirit.
Righteousness — lives aligned with God’s will.
Peace — reconciliation with God and harmony among His people.
Joy — not shallow amusement, but Spirit-given gladness under God’s reign.
So kingdom life is not drab legalism. It is Spirit-filled righteousness and joy.
Jesus came preaching the kingdom, and then He sent His disciples out with that same kingdom message.
Luke 9:1–2
“When Jesus had called the Twelve together… he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God…”
Luke 10:8–9
“When you enter a town… heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”
And after the resurrection, Acts continues this kingdom emphasis.
Acts 8:12
“But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ…”
Acts 28:30–31
“He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ…”
So the church does not invent a new message. It continues the proclamation of the kingdom through the preaching of Christ.
To preach Christ rightly is to preach the kingdom, because the kingdom comes in the King.
Because the kingdom grows like seed, the Word of God has a central place in its advance.
In the parable of the sower, the seed is the message of the kingdom.
Matthew 13:18–19
“When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown…”
The kingdom advances through the proclaimed Word. That means we should not despise preaching, teaching, witness, or discipleship. These are kingdom means.
The world may think true power lies only in armies, wealth, influence, and image. But the kingdom often advances through preached truth, Spirit-applied, lodging in hearts.
That is why Satan tries to snatch the Word. He knows the kingdom moves through the gospel.
We must say clearly: the kingdom is good news, but it is not soft news. It includes judgment.
Jesus’ parables often end with separation:
wheat and weeds,
good fish and bad fish,
wise virgins and foolish virgins,
faithful servants and wicked servants.
Matthew 13:41–43
“The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil…
Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.”
The kingdom is not only invitation. It is also separation. Not everyone enters it.
1 Corinthians 6:9–10
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God?”
That is not because grace is small, but because the kingdom is holy. The same Christ who welcomes sinners also commands repentance.
So the call of the kingdom is urgent. The King is merciful, but He will not remain forever merely ignored.
The kingdom is present now, but it is not yet fully visible. One day it will be.
Matthew 25:31, 34
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory…
Then the King will say… ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you…’”
2 Timothy 4:1
“Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom…”
Revelation 11:15
“The kingdom of the world has become
the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah,
and he will reign for ever and ever.”
That is the final kingdom victory.
No rival kingdom remains standing.
No beastly empire endures.
No darkness survives.
The reign of God in Christ is visible, final, public, and everlasting.
And the end of the kingdom is not emptiness, but the new creation.
Revelation 21:3
“Now the dwelling of God is with mankind…”
That is kingdom consummation: God dwelling with His people forever.
Because the kingdom is present and coming, it should shape everything now.
It should shape our priorities.
Matthew 6:33
“seek first his kingdom…”
It should shape our prayers.
Matthew 6:10
“your kingdom come…”
It should shape our values.
Matthew 13:44
treasure above all else.
It should shape our conduct.
Romans 14:17
righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
It should shape our endurance.
Acts 14:22
“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”
That is important. Kingdom people are not promised an easy road. Hardships do not mean the kingdom has failed. They often mark the pilgrim path into it.
So let us gather it all together.
The Kingdom of God is the reign of God.
The Old Testament prepares us for it.
Jesus came announcing it.
In Christ the kingdom has come near.
It is already present, but not yet in fullness.
It demands repentance and faith.
It belongs to the poor in spirit.
It is more valuable than everything else.
It grows like seed and leaven.
It is opposed by darkness, but the Stronger One has come.
It is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
It is proclaimed by the church.
It will come in final judgment and glory when Christ returns.
So what should you do?
Repent and believe the good news.
Receive the King.
Seek first the kingdom.
Pray for its coming.
Live as citizens of heaven.
Do not bow to the kingdoms of this world as though they were ultimate.
Do not sell your soul for passing powers.
Do not cling to idols.
Treasure Christ.
Submit to His reign.
And live now in the light of the kingdom that cannot be shaken.
Let me close with these words:
Mark 1:15
“The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Matthew 6:33
“seek first his kingdom…”
Romans 14:17
“For the kingdom of God is… righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Daniel 2:44
“The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed…”
And finally:
Revelation 11:15
“…he will reign for ever and ever.”
Amen.
Brothers and sisters,
Today I want to preach on one of the greatest stretches of Scripture in all the Bible: Moses, the Exodus from Egypt, the parting of the sea, the wilderness journey, and the God who led His people for forty years.
This is not a small story.
This is one of the great acts of God in redemptive history.
This is not only Israel’s story.
This is one of the great pictures of salvation in the whole Bible.
In Moses and the Exodus, we see:
bondage,
deliverance,
blood,
judgment,
leadership,
covenant,
wilderness,
testing,
provision,
rebellion,
law,
and the faithfulness of God.
And we also see something else: this whole story points beyond itself.
Israel was in bondage in Egypt.
Humanity is in bondage under sin.
Israel needed a deliverer.
Humanity needs a greater Deliverer.
Israel was brought through the sea.
The church is brought through Christ’s death and resurrection into new life.
Israel ate manna in the wilderness.
We need the true Bread from heaven.
So today I want to preach this sermon in a broad arc:
Israel in Egypt,
the calling of Moses,
the strange passage where the Lord sought to kill Moses,
the Passover and the Exodus,
the parting of the sea,
the wilderness,
the manna,
the forty years,
and what all this teaches us about faith, obedience, and Christ.
And I want to say one thing clearly at the beginning about the manna question you raised. Some modern and later interpreters have proposed naturalistic, mystical, or even entheogenic theories about manna, but the biblical text itself presents manna as God-given bread from heaven and a test of obedience, not as a drug experience. Mainstream reference works describe manna either as miraculous sustenance in the biblical account or note various natural identifications such as tamarisk secretions or lichen, while the “psychedelic” idea appears as a speculative hypothesis rather than established biblical teaching.
So I will handle that point carefully and biblically.
Let us begin at the beginning.
The story of Moses begins with Israel in affliction.
What began as Joseph’s family coming into Egypt for preservation became, over time, a people enslaved under a new king.
Exodus 1:8–11
“Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt.
‘Look,’ he said to his people, ‘the Israelites have become far too numerous for us.
Come, we must deal shrewdly with them…’
So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor…”
And later:
Exodus 1:13–14
“So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor…
They made their lives bitter with harsh labor…”
This is the first great scene: the people of God in bondage.
Now this is not only history. It is also a picture.
Egypt becomes a picture of the house of bondage.
Pharaoh becomes a picture of oppressive dominion.
And the enslaved people show us what fallen humanity is like under sin.
Because Jesus later says:
John 8:34
“Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.”
And Paul says:
Romans 6:17
“Though you used to be slaves to sin…”
So the Exodus is not only about one nation leaving one land. It is a pattern of salvation. God delivers people out of bondage.
Before Moses ever stands before Pharaoh, the Bible tells us why God acts.
Exodus 2:23–25
“The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out…
God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob.
So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.”
That is one of the sweetest truths in all the Bible:
God heard.
God remembered.
God looked.
God knew.
Now when the Bible says God “remembered,” it does not mean He had forgotten and then suddenly recalled something. It means He turned in covenant faithfulness toward His promise.
This is crucial.
Israel is not saved because Pharaoh becomes nice.
Israel is not saved because Moses is naturally strong.
Israel is saved because God is covenant-faithful.
Genesis 15:13–14 had already said:
“Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own…
But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves…”
So the Exodus begins in the promise of God and the compassion of God.
And that is still true in salvation.
We are not saved because man becomes impressive.
We are saved because God remembers mercy.
Now God raises up Moses.
Moses is preserved as a baby, brought through the river, raised in Pharaoh’s house, then driven into the wilderness after killing the Egyptian.
Then at the burning bush, God calls him.
Exodus 3:1–6
“Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro…
There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush…
Then he said, ‘Do not come any closer… Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.’”
There is something very important here: Moses’ ministry begins with the holiness of God.
Before Moses delivers anyone, he must first know the God who sends him.
And God declares His covenant name:
Exodus 3:14–15
“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’
…‘Say to the Israelites: “I AM has sent me to you.”’”
That means Israel’s deliverance is not grounded in tribal energy or human revolution. It is grounded in the eternal, self-existent God.
Then God says:
Exodus 3:7–8
“I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out… and I am concerned about their suffering.
So I have come down to rescue them…”
What powerful words:
I have seen.
I have heard.
I am concerned.
I have come down to rescue.
That is the heart of the Exodus. God comes down to save.
Moses does not receive the call with easy confidence. He protests.
Exodus 3:11
“But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh…?’”
Exodus 4:10
“Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent…”
Moses feels weak, inadequate, and afraid. But God’s answer is not to flatter Moses. God points Moses back to Himself.
Exodus 3:12
“And God said, ‘I will be with you.’”
That is enough.
The true strength of ministry is never finally in the servant. It is in the God who goes with him.
That remains true for every believer. The question is not finally, “Am I enough?” The answer to that is no. The question is, “Is God enough?” And the answer is yes.
Now we come to one of the strangest passages in the whole Exodus story.
Exodus 4:24–26
“At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses and was about to kill him.
But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet with it…
So the Lord let him alone.”
This is a hard passage, but the basic lesson is very serious. Moses, who is being sent to represent the covenant God before Pharaoh, appears to have neglected the covenant sign in his own household. Circumcision had been commanded to Abraham and his descendants.
Genesis 17:10–11
“This is my covenant with you… Every male among you shall be circumcised.
You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant…”
So before Moses can stand publicly as the leader of God’s covenant people, there is a matter of covenant obedience to be dealt with in his own house.
This teaches something very important:
God does not treat holiness lightly in His servants.
God does not ignore covenant neglect because a man has a calling.
Moses can confront Pharaoh, but Moses must also obey God.
And the resolution comes through blood. Even this strange and unsettling scene reminds us that covenant relationship and blood are tied closely together in Scripture.
Now we come to one of the greatest chapters in the Bible: the Passover.
Before Israel walks out in freedom, blood must be shed.
Exodus 12:3–7
“Each man is to take a lamb for his family…
The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect…
Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes…”
Then the Lord says:
Exodus 12:12–13
“On that same night I will pass through Egypt…
The blood will be a sign for you… and when I see the blood, I will pass over you.”
That is one of the deepest truths in Scripture.
Deliverance comes through blood.
Judgment passes over where the blood is applied.
The people were not saved because they were better than the Egyptians in themselves. They were saved because God provided a lamb and told them to trust His word by putting the blood where He commanded.
And the New Testament makes this plain:
1 Corinthians 5:7
“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”
That means the Exodus is not only about Israel. It points to Christ. Before sinners can be set free, the Lamb must die.
After the Passover comes the departure.
Exodus 12:31–33
“During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, ‘Up! Leave my people… Go, worship the Lord as you have requested.’”
What Pharaoh refused after plague upon plague, God forced by His mighty hand.
Exodus 12:41–42
“At the end of the 430 years… all the Lord’s divisions left Egypt.
Because the Lord kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt…”
That is beautiful. The Lord watched over their deliverance.
This is salvation language:
God brings out.
God watches over.
God breaks chains.
God leads His people into freedom.
And again, the spiritual parallel is powerful.
Colossians 1:13
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves…”
That is the greater Exodus.
Now Pharaoh changes his mind and pursues them. Israel stands trapped: sea before them, Egypt behind them.
And Moses says one of the greatest lines in all Scripture:
Exodus 14:13–14
“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today…
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
What a word:
Do not be afraid.
Stand firm.
See the deliverance of the Lord.
The Lord will fight for you.
Then God opens the sea.
Exodus 14:21–22
“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea… and all that night the Lord drove the sea back…
and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground…”
And when the Egyptians pursued, the waters returned.
Exodus 14:30–31
“That day the Lord saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians…
And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord… they feared the Lord and put their trust in him…”
That is deliverance by divine power.
Israel did not split the sea.
Israel did not earn the path.
Israel walked through what God opened.
Paul later says:
1 Corinthians 10:1–2
“Our ancestors were all under the cloud and… all passed through the sea.
They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.”
The sea becomes a picture of transition, separation from the old dominion, and passage into a new life under God’s leadership.
And after the sea, Moses and Israel sing.
Exodus 15:1–2
“I will sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted…
The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”
Deliverance should produce worship.
Now we come to the wilderness.
One of the most important lessons in Exodus and Numbers is this: leaving Egypt is not the same as having a faithful heart.
Israel came out physically, but Egypt had to be driven out of them spiritually.
The wilderness became a place of testing.
Exodus 15:25–26
“There the Lord issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test.”
Deuteronomy 8:2
“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you…”
The wilderness shows what is in the heart.
This is very important for the Christian life. A man may leave certain outward things behind, and yet still need to be tested and transformed deeply. Salvation is by grace, but God will still bring His people through wilderness lessons where dependence, obedience, gratitude, and faith are exposed.
Now we come to the manna.
The people grumble because of hunger, and the Lord says:
Exodus 16:4
4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.
That verse is extremely important because it tells us exactly what the manna was doing in the wilderness.
God says:
“In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.”
So the manna was not merely food.
It was food with a lesson.
Provision with a test.
Bread with a command.
Mercy with obedience.
The issue was not only, “Will they eat?”
The issue was, “Will they trust?”
Will they gather daily as God said?
Will they refrain from hoarding when God said not to?
Will they rest on the day God appointed?
Will they live by His word and not by panic?
That is why the manna matters so much.
And we should be careful here, as I mentioned earlier: the biblical text presents manna as God’s supernatural or divinely provided bread from heaven and as a test of obedience. Scripture does not present manna as a psychedelic substance. The test was moral and spiritual: would they walk in God’s laws or not?
That is exactly what the text says.
Exodus 16:14–15
“When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor.
When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, ‘What is it?’ For they did not know what it was.
Moses said to them, ‘It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat.’”
Then Moses says:
Exodus 16:19–20
“Then Moses said to them, ‘No one is to keep any of it until morning.’
However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning…”
There is the test.
God said one thing.
Some did another.
Then on the sixth day they were to gather double for the Sabbath.
Exodus 16:23
“This is what the Lord commanded: ‘Tomorrow is to be a day of sabbath rest…’”
But again some disobeyed.
Exodus 16:27–28
“Nevertheless, some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather it, but they found none.
Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions?’”
So manna was a revelation of the heart.
Would they trust daily bread?
Would they obey daily instruction?
Would they believe God would still provide tomorrow?
That is why Deuteronomy later explains the deeper purpose.
Deuteronomy 8:2–3
“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you…
He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna… to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”
There is the meaning.
Manna taught dependence.
Manna taught obedience.
Manna taught that life is not sustained merely by food, but by the Word of God.
And Jesus later takes that very verse and uses it against Satan.
Matthew 4:4
“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
So the wilderness bread was always pointing to a deeper lesson: God’s people must live by faith in His Word.
Now we come to the forty years in the wilderness.
This is one of the most sobering parts of the whole story.
The people had seen the plagues.
They had seen the Passover.
They had walked through the sea.
They had eaten manna.
They had drunk water from the rock.
They had heard the voice of God at Sinai.
And yet again and again they murmured, rebelled, feared, and resisted.
At Kadesh-barnea, when the spies returned, the people refused to go in.
Numbers 13:30–31
30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”
31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.”
That is the great crisis of unbelief in the wilderness.
Caleb looked at the same land, the same enemies, the same walls, the same danger — but he interpreted everything through the promise of God.
The other spies looked at the same facts and interpreted everything through fear.
That is one of the clearest differences between faith and unbelief.
Faith says:
God has spoken.
God is able.
Therefore let us go.
Unbelief says:
The enemies are stronger than we are.
The walls are too high.
The cost is too great.
Therefore we cannot go.
And then the people joined the unbelief.
Numbers 14:1–4
“That night all the members of the community raised their voices and wept aloud.
All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron…
They said to each other, ‘We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.’”
That is one of the great tragedies of the wilderness. They wanted to go back to bondage because unbelief made the promise look more dangerous than slavery.
And here is a lesson that has never changed:
when people stop trusting God, Egypt starts looking attractive again.
Bondage can begin to look safer than faith.
Old sin can begin to look easier than holiness.
The familiar chains of the past can begin to seem more comfortable than the hard path of obedience.
But Caleb and Joshua spoke differently.
Numbers 14:8–9
“If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land…
Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land… The Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”
There it is again:
The Lord is with us.
Do not be afraid.
But the people would not believe.
So judgment came.
Numbers 14:22–23
“not one of those who saw my glory and the signs I performed… but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times —
not one of them will ever see the land…”
And then the forty years are explained:
Numbers 14:33–34
“Your children will be shepherds here for forty years, suffering for your unfaithfulness…
For forty years—one year for each of the forty days you explored the land—you will suffer for your sins…”
This is a sobering truth: a redeemed people can still come under severe discipline because of unbelief.
Not because God forgets His covenant,
but because God takes unbelief seriously.
The wilderness years were not random wandering. They were divine judgment, divine discipline, and divine patience all at once.
And yet — this must be said clearly — even in the judgment, God still fed them.
Though the wilderness generation was judged, God did not abandon His people.
Nehemiah 9:19–21
“Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the wilderness.
By day the pillar of cloud did not fail to guide them…
You gave your good Spirit to instruct them.
You did not withhold your manna from their mouths…
For forty years you sustained them in the wilderness; they lacked nothing…”
What a verse.
Because of your great compassion
you did not abandon them.
That is the wilderness story in one line.
They grumbled.
He fed them.
They doubted.
He guided them.
They rebelled.
He did not utterly cast them off.
This does not make their sin small. It makes God’s patience great.
And Moses later reminds Israel:
Deuteronomy 29:5
“Yet the Lord says, ‘During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet.’”
God was faithful even in discipline.
This is an important lesson for believers. The discipline of God is real, but so is His sustaining mercy. If He brings His people into a wilderness, He does not cease to be their God there.
Now we must say something about Moses himself in the wilderness.
Moses was a faithful servant of God, but he too failed in a serious moment.
When the people again needed water, God told Moses to speak to the rock.
Numbers 20:7–8
“The Lord said to Moses,
‘Take the staff… and speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water.’”
But Moses, angered by the people, struck the rock.
Numbers 20:10–12
“He and Aaron gathered the assembly together… and Moses said to them, ‘Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?’
Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff…
But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy… you will not bring this community into the land…’”
That is very serious.
Moses was the chosen leader.
Moses had spoken with God.
Moses had stood before Pharaoh.
Moses had stretched out the rod over the sea.
And yet Moses too was judged for failing to honor God as holy.
That tells us again:
God does not treat disobedience lightly, even in His servants.
Calling is not permission to ignore holiness.
Leadership does not excuse unbelief.
And yet even here, Moses remains one of the greatest servants in all Scripture.
Moses was great, but Moses was not the final deliverer.
The Exodus was mighty, but it was not the final salvation.
The sea was opened, but sin was not yet finally defeated.
Pharaoh was judged, but death still reigned.
Israel left Egypt, but the human heart still needed deeper redemption.
That is why the New Testament points us to Jesus as the greater Moses and the greater Deliverer.
Hebrews 3:3–6
“Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses…
Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house…
But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house.”
Moses led Israel out of Egypt.
Christ leads His people out of sin.
Moses mediated the old covenant.
Christ mediates the new covenant.
Moses gave manna in the wilderness as the servant of God.
Christ says:
John 6:32–35
“it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven…
Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life…’”
Moses lifted the serpent in the wilderness.
Numbers 21:9
“So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole…”
And Jesus said:
John 3:14–15
“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up…”
Moses brought Israel through the sea.
Christ brings His people through death into life.
Moses was faithful, but imperfect.
Christ is faithful and perfect.
So when we preach Moses and Exodus, we must let it lead us to Christ.
Let me gather the great lessons.
First, God hears the cries of the oppressed.
Israel groaned, and God remembered His covenant.
Second, God raises deliverers by His own call.
Moses was not self-appointed.
Third, the holiness of God matters.
The burning bush, the circumcision passage, Sinai, the striking of the rock — all remind us that God is holy.
Fourth, deliverance comes through blood.
The Passover lamb had to die.
Fifth, God alone opens the way of salvation.
The people did not part the sea. God did.
Sixth, salvation does not remove the need for obedience.
The wilderness proved that.
Seventh, God tests His people to reveal the heart.
Manna was not only food. It was a test of daily trust.
Eighth, unbelief is deadly.
An entire generation fell in the wilderness because they would not trust God.
Ninth, God remains patient and faithful even while disciplining His people.
He fed them, guided them, and preserved them.
Tenth, the whole story points to Christ.
He is the greater Moses, greater Passover Lamb, greater Bread, greater Rock, greater Deliverer.
The New Testament does not let us treat the wilderness story as distant history only. It presses it home as a warning.
1 Corinthians 10:1–5
“For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea…
Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.”
Then Paul says:
1 Corinthians 10:6
“Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.”
And Hebrews says:
Hebrews 3:12, 16–19
“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God…
Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt?
…So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.”
That is a warning to the church:
do not harden your heart,
do not grumble against God,
do not let outward religion replace real faith,
do not presume on past experiences while living in present unbelief.
But the wilderness story is not only warning. It is also comfort.
There are believers who feel they are in a wilderness season:
confused,
tested,
dependent,
brought low,
learning daily bread.
Then hear this:
Deuteronomy 8:2–3
“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness…”
He led you all the way.
Psalm 78:52–53
“But he brought his people out like a flock;
he led them like sheep through the wilderness.
He guided them safely…”
Isaiah 63:11–14
“Where is he who set his Holy Spirit among them…
who led them through the depths…
Like cattle that go down to the plain, they were given rest by the Spirit of the Lord.”
The same God who led Israel has not ceased to be a shepherd.
So if you are in the wilderness, do not think God has forgotten you. The wilderness may be a place of testing, but it is also a place where God teaches dependence, strips pride, and proves Himself faithful.
So let us gather it all up.
Israel was in bondage, and God heard.
Moses was called, and God sent him.
The covenant sign mattered, and holiness mattered.
The Passover lamb died, and blood brought deliverance.
The sea opened, and God made a way where there was no way.
The wilderness exposed unbelief and taught dependence.
Manna was bread from heaven and a test of obedience — not a psychedelic experience in Scripture, but a divine provision that revealed whether they would walk in God’s law.
Forty years in the desert showed both God’s discipline and God’s patience.
And through it all, Moses and the Exodus pointed forward to Christ.
So what should we do?
Do not long for Egypt.
Do not despise daily bread.
Do not harden your heart in the wilderness.
Do not treat God’s commands lightly.
Trust the Lamb.
Follow the God who opens seas.
Live by every word that comes from His mouth.
And look to Christ, the greater Deliverer.
Let me close with these words:
Exodus 14:13–14
“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today…
The Lord will fight for you…”
Deuteronomy 8:3
“man does not live on bread alone…”
Numbers 14:8
“If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us…”
Hebrews 3:3
“Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses…”
And finally:
1 Corinthians 5:7
“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”
Amen.
False Teachers and False Prophets
Father God,
We come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. Open our eyes to truth. Give us discernment by the Holy Spirit. Protect us from deception, pride, false religion, false prophets, false teachers, and doctrines that lead people away from Jesus Christ.
Lord, help us not to be paranoid, but wise. Help us not to judge by outward appearance, but by Your Word. Help us test every spirit, every message, every teaching, and every messenger by Scripture.
Let Jesus Christ be lifted up as Lord, Saviour, King, Judge, Shepherd, and Truth.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
False teachers and false prophets are not a small subject in the Bible. Jesus warned us. The apostles warned us. Moses warned Israel. Jeremiah warned Judah. Ezekiel warned the people.
Peter, Paul, John, and Jude all warned the church.
The danger is not only outside the church. Often the danger comes inside religious clothing.
Jesus said:
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles?
Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit.
A good tree can’t produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit.
Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”
Jesus says, “Beware.”
That means Christians are not meant to be spiritually careless.
We are called to love, but love is not blindness.
We are called to be gracious, but grace is not gullibility.
We are called to forgive, but forgiveness is not the same as trusting every voice.
We are called to unity, but never unity with lies against Christ.
Jesus said false prophets come in sheep’s clothing.
That means they do not always look dangerous. They may look holy. They may sound spiritual. They may use Bible language. They may say “Lord, Lord.” They may appear gentle, gifted, powerful, emotional, successful, and religious.
But inwardly, Jesus says, they are ravening wolves.
A wolf does not come to bless the sheep.
A wolf comes to feed on the sheep.
A false teacher may feed on people’s money.
A false prophet may feed on people’s fear.
A false apostle may feed on people’s loyalty.
A false shepherd may feed on people’s weakness.
A false doctrine may feed on people’s desire for sin without repentance.
So Jesus gives us a test:
“By their fruits you will know them.”
Not by their clothing.
Not by their title.
Not by their popularity.
Not by their online following.
Not by their emotional worship service.
Not by their dreams and visions.
Not by their miracles alone.
Not by their confidence.
Not by their wealth.
Not by their ability to quote Scripture.
By their fruit.
Jesus continues with one of the most frightening passages in the New Testament.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’
Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’”
This is serious.
These people call Jesus “Lord.”
They claim to prophesy.
They claim to cast out demons.
They claim to do mighty works.
They do all of this “in His name.”
But Jesus says:
“I never knew you.”
He does not say, “I knew you once, but lost you.”
He says, “I never knew you.”
This means spiritual activity is not the same as salvation.
A person can preach and still be lost.
A person can perform signs and still be false.
A person can use the name of Jesus and still not belong to Jesus.
A person can have a ministry and still be a worker of iniquity.
The question is not only, “Do they say Jesus?”
The question is, “Do they obey Jesus?”
Do they preach the true Jesus?
Do they preach the true Gospel?
Do they bear the fruit of repentance?
Do they lead people to holiness or to lawlessness?
Jesus said:
“If you love me, keep my commandments.”
True love for Jesus produces obedience.
False prophets are not new. God warned Israel about them long before the New Testament.
“If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you, and he gives you a sign or a wonder,
and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let’s go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let’s serve them,’
you shall not listen to the words of that prophet, or to that dreamer of dreams; for Yahweh your God is testing you, to know whether you love Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
You shall walk after Yahweh your God, fear him, keep his commandments, and obey his voice. You shall serve him, and cling to him.
That prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death, because he has spoken rebellion against Yahweh your God…”
This passage is powerful because it says even if the sign or wonder comes to pass, if the message leads people away from God, the prophet is false.
That means miracles alone are not enough.
A sign does not prove a prophet is from God if the teaching leads people into rebellion.
This matters today.
Someone may say, “But they have power.”
Someone may say, “But they had a dream.”
Someone may say, “But they predicted something.”
Someone may say, “But they healed someone.”
Someone may say, “But they are famous.”
The Bible says: test the message.
Does it lead people to the true God?
Does it honour the Lord?
Does it agree with Scripture?
Does it produce repentance, obedience, holiness, and faithfulness?
God also gave a test for prophecy.
“But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.
You may say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which Yahweh has not spoken?’
When a prophet speaks in Yahweh’s name, if the thing doesn’t follow, nor happen, that is the thing which Yahweh has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You shall not be afraid of him.”
If someone claims, “God told me,” and what they say does not happen, God says they have spoken presumptuously.
The church must regain reverence for the words, “Thus says the Lord.”
People should not casually put God’s name on their opinions.
The prophet Jeremiah had to deal with many false prophets. These prophets told people what they wanted to hear. They promised peace when judgment was coming.
“Yahweh of Armies says, ‘Don’t listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They teach you vanity. They speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of Yahweh’s mouth.
They say continually to those who despise me, “Yahweh has said, ‘You will have peace;’” and to everyone who walks in the stubbornness of his own heart they say, “No evil will come on you.”’”
That is a false prophet.
They say to those who despise God, “You will have peace.”
They say to those walking in stubbornness, “No evil will come upon you.”
A false prophet comforts people in sin.
A true prophet calls people out of sin.
A false teacher says, “God understands; keep living how you want.”
A true teacher says, “God is merciful; repent and be forgiven.”
A false prophet says, “Peace, peace,” when there is no peace.
A true prophet says, “Return to the Lord while there is still time.”
Jeremiah continues:
“I didn’t send these prophets, yet they ran. I didn’t speak to them, yet they prophesied.
But if they had stood in my council, then they would have caused my people to hear my words, and would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.”
Here is a major test:
Do they turn people from evil?
God says if they had truly stood in His council, they would have caused the people to hear His words and turn from their evil ways.
False prophets may entertain people, excite people, flatter people, and impress people. But true ministry brings people under the authority of God’s Word and calls them to repentance.
“I have heard what the prophets have said, who prophesy lies in my name, saying, ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’
How long will this be in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, even the prophets of the deceit of their own heart?
They intend to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they each tell his neighbor, as their fathers forgot my name because of Baal.
The prophet who has a dream, let him tell a dream; and he who has my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the straw to the wheat?’ says Yahweh.
‘Isn’t my word like fire?’ says Yahweh; ‘and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?’”
God’s Word is like fire.
God’s Word is like a hammer.
The dreams of men are straw.
The Word of God is wheat.
So we must ask: are people being built on dreams, opinions, personalities
, and emotional experiences? Or are they being built on the Word of God?
Ezekiel also warned against false prophets.
“Yahweh’s word came to me, saying,
‘Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of their own heart, “Hear Yahweh’s word:
The Lord Yahweh says, ‘Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!
Israel, your prophets have been like foxes in the waste places.
You have not gone up into the gaps or built up the wall for the house of Israel, to stand in the battle in Yahweh’s day.
They have seen falsehood and lying divination, who say, “Yahweh says;” but Yahweh has not sent them. They have made men hope that the word would be confirmed.
Haven’t you seen a false vision, and haven’t you spoken a lying divination, in that you say, “Yahweh says;” but I have not spoken?’”’”
God says these prophets follow their own spirit and have seen nothing.
That is a terrifying description.
They are spiritual, but not submitted.
They are confident, but not sent.
They are speaking, but God has not spoken.
They are making people hope their words will come true, but God did not send them.
Then Ezekiel says they whitewash weak walls.
“Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, ‘Peace;’ and there is no peace; and when one builds up a wall, behold, they plaster it with whitewash.
Tell those who plaster it with whitewash that it will fall. There will be an overflowing shower. You, great hailstones, will fall. A stormy wind will tear it.
Behold, when the wall has fallen, won’t it be said to you, ‘Where is the plaster with which you have plastered it?’”
False teachers paint over cracks instead of repairing the wall.
They cover sin instead of confronting it.
They cover compromise instead of calling for repentance.
They make weak people feel safe in danger.
A true shepherd repairs the wall.
A false prophet whitewashes it.
Jesus said that deception would be one of the signs of the last days.
“Jesus answered them, ‘Be careful that no one leads you astray.
For many will come in my name, saying, “I am the Christ,” and will lead many astray.’”
The first warning Jesus gives in Matthew 24 is:
“Be careful that no one leads you astray.”
Then He says:
“Many false prophets will arise and will lead many astray.
Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold.
But he who endures to the end will be saved.”
Many false prophets will arise.
Not a few. Many.
They will lead many astray.
Not a few. Many.
Lawlessness will increase, and the love of many will grow cold.
Then Jesus warns again:
“For false christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones.
Behold, I have told you beforehand.”
False christs and false prophets will show great signs and wonders.
This means the church cannot be led only by supernatural claims. We must be led by the Word of God and the Spirit of truth.
Jesus says, “Behold, I have told you beforehand.”
That means no Christian should be surprised that false teachers exist.
Jesus warned us before it happened.
The apostle Paul gave a strong warning to the elders in Ephesus.
“Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood.
For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Men will arise from among your own selves, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
Therefore watch, remembering that for a period of three years I didn’t cease to admonish everyone night and day with tears.”
Paul says wolves will enter in.
But he also says men will arise from among your own selves.
That means false teaching can come from within the church.
They speak perverse things.
Why?
“To draw away the disciples after them.”
That is another test of a false teacher:
Do they draw people after Christ, or after themselves?
A true teacher points people to Jesus.
A false teacher builds a personality cult.
A true shepherd says, “Follow Christ.”
A false shepherd says, “You need me.”
A true pastor wants the sheep to know the voice of Jesus.
A false pastor wants the sheep dependent on his voice.
John the Baptist had the right heart.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
That is the spirit of true ministry.
Jesus must increase.
The preacher must decrease.
Paul warned the Corinthians about false apostles.
“But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, so your minds might be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we didn’t preach, or if you receive a different spirit which you didn’t receive, or a different ‘good news’ which you didn’t accept, you put up with that well enough.”
There are three dangers here:
Another Jesus.
A different spirit.
A different gospel.
False Christianity often still uses Christian words. It may say Jesus, Spirit, Gospel, blessing, faith, kingdom, prophecy, church, anointing, and revival.
But Paul says the danger is that the words may be attached to another message.
Another Jesus may be a Jesus who never calls people to repentance.
Another Jesus may be a Jesus who is only a life coach.
Another Jesus may be a Jesus who exists to make people rich.
Another Jesus may be a Jesus who excuses sin.
Another Jesus may be a Jesus who is not Lord.
Another Jesus may be a Jesus who is not fully God and fully man.
Another Jesus may be a Jesus without the cross.
Another Jesus may be a Jesus without judgment.
Paul continues:
“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as Christ’s apostles.
And no wonder, for even Satan masquerades as an angel of light.
It is no great thing therefore if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.”
Satan does not always appear as darkness.
He can masquerade as an angel of light.
False teachers may masquerade as servants of righteousness.
That means we must test by truth, not appearance.
Paul was very serious with the Galatian church because they were being led away from the Gospel of grace.
“I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different ‘good news,’
but there isn’t another ‘good news.’ Only there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the Good News of Christ.
But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any ‘good news’ other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed.
As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any ‘good news’ other than that which you received, let him be cursed.”
This is extremely strong.
Paul says even if an angel from heaven preaches another gospel, reject it.
That means no supernatural experience can overrule the Gospel.
No dream can overrule the Gospel.
No angelic vision can overrule the Gospel.
No prophet can overrule the Gospel.
No church tradition can overrule the Gospel.
No preacher can overrule the Gospel.
The Gospel is that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for our sins, was buried, rose again, and salvation is by grace through faith in Him.
“Now I declare to you, brothers, the Good News which I preached to you, which also you received, in which you also stand,
by which also you are saved, if you hold firmly the word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
That is the centre.
Christ died for our sins.
Christ was buried.
Christ rose on the third day.
According to the Scriptures.
Any teaching that removes the cross is false.
Any teaching that removes repentance is false.
Any teaching that removes the resurrection is false.
Any teaching that says we are saved by our own righteousness is false.
Any teaching that says sin does not matter is false.
Any teaching that denies Jesus as Lord is false.
The apostle John gives the church a clear command.
“Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,
and every spirit who doesn’t confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God; and this is the spirit of the Antichrist, of whom you have heard that it comes. Now it is in the world already.
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.
They are of the world. Therefore they speak of the world, and the world hears them.
We are of God. He who knows God listens to us. He who is not of God doesn’t listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.”
John says:
“Don’t believe every spirit.”
That is important.
Some Christians think testing is unloving. But John commands it.
Test the spirits.
Why?
Because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
The test includes what they say about Jesus Christ.
Do they confess the true Christ?
Do they confess Jesus Christ has come in the flesh?
Do they honour Him as Lord?
Do they obey the apostolic teaching?
Do they speak from the world, or from God?
John says there is a spirit of truth and a spirit of error.
Not everything spiritual is holy.
There are unclean spirits.
There are deceiving spirits.
There are doctrines of demons.
Paul says:
“But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,
through the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron.”
Some will fall away from the faith.
Why?
Because they pay attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons.
False teaching is not merely intellectual error. Behind false doctrine can be spiritual deception.
That is why we need the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.
Peter gave one of the strongest warnings in the New Testament.
“But false prophets also arose among the people, as false teachers will also be among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master who bought them, bringing on themselves swift destruction.
Many will follow their immoral ways, and as a result, the way of the truth will be maligned.
In covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words: whose sentence now from of old doesn’t linger, and their destruction will not slumber.”
Peter says false teachers will be among you.
They secretly bring in destructive heresies.
Many will follow them.
They exploit people through covetousness and deceptive words.
That gives us another test:
Are they exploiting people?
False teachers often use people.
They use people’s money.
They use people’s pain.
They use people’s loneliness.
They use people’s fear.
They use people’s desire for blessing.
They use people’s lack of Bible knowledge.
Peter continues:
“They have eyes full of adultery, and who can’t cease from sin, enticing unsettled souls. They have a heart trained in greed, children of cursing.
Forsaking the right way, they went astray, having followed the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of wrongdoing;
but he was rebuked for his own disobedience. A mute donkey spoke with a man’s voice and stopped the madness of the prophet.
These are wells without water, clouds driven by a storm, for whom the blackness of darkness has been reserved forever.
For, uttering great swelling words of emptiness, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by licentiousness, those who are indeed escaping from those who live in error;
promising them liberty, while they themselves are bondservants of corruption; for a man is brought into bondage by whoever overcomes him.”
Peter says they have hearts trained in greed.
They are wells without water.
They use great swelling words of emptiness.
They promise liberty while they themselves are slaves of corruption.
That is what false teaching does.
It promises freedom but brings bondage.
It promises blessing but leads to destruction.
It promises spiritual power but produces corruption.
The book of Jude is almost entirely a warning about false teachers.
“Beloved, while I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I was constrained to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
For there are certain men who crept in secretly, even those who were long ago written about for this condemnation: ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into indecency, and denying our only Master, God, and Lord, Jesus Christ.”
Jude says we must contend earnestly for the faith.
Why?
Because certain men crept in secretly.
They turn grace into indecency.
That means they use grace as an excuse for sin.
They say, “God forgives, so holiness does not matter.”
They say, “Jesus loves you, so repentance is not needed.”
They say, “Do what you want; grace covers it.”
But biblical grace does not teach us to continue in sin. Biblical grace teaches us to deny ungodliness.
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age;
looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.”
Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness.
So any teacher who uses grace to excuse sin is twisting grace.
Jude continues:
“These are hidden rocky reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you, shepherds who without fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn leaves without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
wild waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the blackness of darkness has been reserved forever.”
“Shepherds who feed themselves.”
That is a false shepherd.
A true shepherd feeds the sheep.
A false shepherd feeds on the sheep.
The Bible repeatedly warns about teachers who use godliness as a way to gain money.
“If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn’t consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness,
he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, insulting, evil suspicions,
constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out.
But having food and clothing, we will be content with that.
But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation, a snare, and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
Paul says some suppose godliness is a means of gain.
That is a major sign of false teaching.
When ministry becomes a business of manipulating people for money, danger is near.
Peter said false teachers exploit through covetousness.
Paul said they think godliness is a means of gain.
Jesus said:
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon.”
You cannot serve God and money.
Money can serve God when submitted to Him.
But money becomes an idol when it rules the heart.
Satan himself quoted Scripture when tempting Jesus. But he twisted it.
“Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple,
and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,
“He will command his angels concerning you,” and,
“On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you don’t dash your foot against a stone.”’
Jesus said to him, ‘Again, it is written, “You shall not test the Lord, your God.”’”
Satan used Scripture.
Jesus answered with Scripture rightly understood.
That teaches us something important:
A person quoting the Bible does not automatically mean they are teaching truth.
Scripture must be handled rightly.
Paul said:
“Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.”
The Word must be properly handled.
Peter also warned that unstable people twist Scripture.
“As also in all of his letters, speaking in them of these things. In those, there are some things that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unsettled twist, as they also do to the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware, lest being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your own steadfastness.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”
People can twist Scripture to their own destruction.
So we must grow in grace and knowledge.
Paul warned Timothy:
“I command you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom:
preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching.
For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts;
and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn away to fables.
But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry.”
The time will come when people will not endure sound doctrine.
They will gather teachers to suit their own desires.
That means false teachers are not only a teacher problem. They are also a listener problem.
People often choose teachers who tell them what they want to hear.
If people want sin, they find a teacher who excuses sin.
If people want greed, they find a teacher who baptises greed.
If people want pride, they find a teacher who flatters pride.
If people want rebellion, they find a teacher who calls rebellion freedom.
If people want spirituality without obedience, they find a teacher who offers power without holiness.
But Paul tells Timothy:
“Preach the word.”
Not preach trends.
Not preach opinions.
Not preach entertainment.
Not preach personality.
Not preach politics as Gospel.
Not preach money as godliness.
Not preach dreams as authority.
Preach the Word.
The Bible gives us several tests.
“Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the Antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.
Whoever denies the Son doesn’t have the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also.”
A teacher who denies the true Son does not have the Father.
“But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any ‘good news’ other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed.”
The Gospel must remain the Gospel.
“Turn to the law and to the testimony! If they don’t speak according to this word, surely there is no morning for them.”
If they do not speak according to God’s Word, there is no light in them.
“Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”
Look at character, humility, repentance, holiness, honesty, love, and faithfulness.
“In covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words…”
Greed and manipulation are major warning signs.
“Ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into indecency, and denying our only Master, God, and Lord, Jesus Christ.”
False grace excuses sin. True grace teaches holiness.
“When a prophet speaks in Yahweh’s name, if the thing doesn’t follow, nor happen, that is the thing which Yahweh has not spoken.”
Accuracy matters. And even if a sign occurs, the message must lead people to the true God.
“Men will arise from among your own selves, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.”
False teachers want followers for themselves.
True teachers make disciples of Jesus Christ.
This sermon is a warning against false teachers, but we must also be careful.
Not every mistaken Christian is a false teacher.
A young believer may misunderstand something.
A preacher may make an error and later correct it.
A teacher may have weakness but still love Christ.
A church may differ on secondary matters without being false.
False teachers are not simply people who disagree with us on every non-essential detail.
A false teacher is one who corrupts the Gospel, denies Christ, twists Scripture, exploits people, promotes sin, claims authority God has not given, and refuses correction.
We need discernment, not suspicion.
We need courage, not arrogance.
We need truth, not slander.
We need correction, not gossip.
Paul says:
“The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but be gentle toward all, able to teach, patient,
in gentleness correcting those who oppose him. Perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth,
and they may recover themselves out of the devil’s snare, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”
We correct with gentleness.
But gentleness does not mean silence.
The church must do several things.
“Even he whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
and with all deception of wickedness for those who are being lost, because they didn’t receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
Because of this, God sends them a working of error, that they should believe a lie;
that they all might be judged who didn’t believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”
The issue is not only knowing truth.
We must love the truth.
People who do not love truth become vulnerable to lies.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.”
The Word of God gives light.
“This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment,
so that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ.”
Love must abound with knowledge and discernment.
Not every pastor is false. Not every teacher is corrupt. God gives true shepherds to care for His people.
“He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers;
for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ,
until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error.”
God gives true ministers so the church will not be tossed around by every wind of doctrine.
“Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them.
For those who are such don’t serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the innocent.”
Turn away from those who deceive with smooth and flattering speech.
The answer to false shepherds is not to stop trusting anyone. The answer is to know the true Shepherd.
Jesus said:
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who doesn’t own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and flees. The wolf snatches the sheep and scatters them.
The hired hand flees because he is a hired hand and doesn’t care for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I’m known by my own;
even as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd.
False shepherds use the sheep.
Jesus dies for the sheep.
False teachers seek their own glory.
Jesus lays down His life.
False prophets speak from their own hearts.
Jesus speaks the words of the Father.
False saviours cannot save.
Jesus saves completely.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
The safest place in the universe is in the hand of Jesus Christ.
The Bible does not warn us about false teachers to make us afraid of everything. It warns us so we will cling to Christ, love truth, test all things, and stay awake.
Paul says:
“Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good.
Abstain from every form of evil.”
Test all things.
Hold fast to what is good.
The world is full of voices.
Religious voices.
Spiritual voices.
Online voices.
Political voices.
Prophetic voices.
Academic voices.
Emotional voices.
Demonic voices.
Human voices.
But above all these voices stands the voice of Jesus Christ.
At the transfiguration, God the Father spoke from heaven.
“While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.’”
“Listen to Him.”
That is the final answer to false teachers and false prophets.
Listen to Jesus.
Listen to His Word.
Listen to His Gospel.
Listen to His warnings.
Listen to His promises.
Listen to His call to repent.
Listen to His command to follow.
Listen to His promise of eternal life.
If you have followed false teaching, repent.
If you have loved lies more than truth, repent.
If you have used God’s name for your own opinions, repent.
If you have taught others wrongly, repent.
If you have followed teachers because they told you what you wanted to hear, repent.
If you have ignored Scripture, repent.
Jesus is merciful.
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
There is forgiveness in Christ.
The answer to deception is not despair.
The answer is repentance and return to Jesus.
“Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.”
Repent and turn again.
Your sins can be blotted out.
Father God,
Thank You for warning us about false teachers and false prophets. Thank You that Jesus told us beforehand, so we would not be deceived.
Give us discernment. Give us humility. Give us love for the truth. Help us test every spirit and every teaching by Your Word.
Protect Your church from wolves in sheep’s clothing. Expose lies. Strengthen true shepherds. Correct those who are in error. Rescue those who have been deceived.
Lord Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd. We listen to Your voice. Keep us close to You. Help us follow You, obey You, and remain faithful until the end.
Holy Spirit, lead us into all truth. Give us courage to reject lies and grace to speak truth in love.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
From Dust to Glory: The Hope of the Believer
Opening
Today we gather with heavy hearts.
We gather because a mother has passed from this life. A family is grieving. Friends are remembering. A church member is hurting. And in moments like this, words can feel too small for the weight of death.
But we do not come today with empty words.
We come with the Word of God.
We come with tears, but not without hope.
We come with grief, but not without comfort.
We come facing death, but also looking to Jesus Christ, who defeated death.
The Bible does not pretend death is easy. It does not tell us to be emotionless. Jesus Himself wept at the tomb of Lazarus. So tears are not a lack of faith. Grief is not weakness. Love grieves because love remembers.
But the Bible also tells us where death came from, why every person must face it, and what hope there is for those who believe in Jesus as Lord.
In the beginning, God made everything good. There was no death, no sickness, no graves, no funerals, no separation, no sorrow.
God made man from the dust of the ground and breathed life into him.
Genesis 2:7
“Yahweh God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
Life came from God.
Man did not create himself. Man did not give himself breath. Every breath is a gift from the Lord.
But then came the command.
Genesis 2:16–17
“Yahweh God commanded the man, saying, ‘You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but you shall not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; for in the day that you eat of it, you will surely die.’”
Many people call it the apple, though the Bible simply calls it the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The important thing is not the type of fruit. The important thing is the act of disobedience.
God said, “Do not eat.”
Man and woman ate.
Sin entered.
And with sin came death.
Genesis 3:6
“When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took some of its fruit, and ate; then she gave some to her husband with her, and he ate it, too.”
That moment changed human history.
Before sin, man walked with God in innocence.
After sin, man hid from God in shame.
Before sin, there was life.
After sin, death entered the world.
And then God spoke these solemn words:
Genesis 3:19
“By the sweat of your face will you eat bread until you return to the ground, for you were taken out of it. For you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
That is why we stand at gravesides.
That is why bodies grow weak.
That is why mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, all eventually face death.
“Dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”
Death is not just a medical reality. It is a spiritual reality. It reminds us that this world is broken. It reminds us that sin has consequences. It reminds us that life on earth is temporary.
But it also reminds us that we need a Saviour.
The book of Ecclesiastes tells us that life under the sun has seasons.
There is a beginning, and there is an end.
There is birth, and there is death.
There is laughter, and there are tears.
Ecclesiastes 3:1–2
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.”
There is “a time to be born, and a time to die.”
Those words are hard, but they are true.
None of us chooses the day of our birth. And none of us ultimately controls the day of our death. Our times are in God’s hands.
Psalm 31:15
“My times are in your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.”
This does not mean death is painless. It does not mean grief disappears. It does not mean we understand everything God allows.
But it means life is not random.
A believer’s life is not lost into darkness. A believer’s death is not outside God’s knowledge. The Lord knew her first breath, and He knew her final breath.
Ecclesiastes continues:
Ecclesiastes 3:11
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man can’t find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end.”
God has placed eternity in the human heart.
That is why death feels wrong to us.
That is why we ache when someone we love is gone.
That is why the grave never feels like it should have the final word.
We were made for more than dust.
We were made for eternity with God.
The Bible begins with dust and death, but it does not end there.
The story of Scripture is not only that man sinned and must die. The greater story is that God sent His Son so that whoever believes in Him shall live.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
That is the hope of this day.
This mother believed in Jesus as Lord. Therefore, we do not speak of her only as someone who has died. We speak of her as someone who belongs to Christ.
The Bible says:
Romans 10:9
“That if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Her hope was not in her own perfection.
Her hope was not in her own goodness.
Her hope was not in religion alone.
Her hope was in Jesus Christ — crucified, buried, and risen.
Jesus stood before a grieving sister named Martha after her brother Lazarus had died. And Jesus did not give her shallow comfort. He gave her Himself.
John 11:25–26
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’”
That is the question for every heart today:
“Do you believe this?”
Jesus did not say, “I know about resurrection.”
He said, “I am the resurrection.”
Jesus did not say, “I can teach you about life.”
He said, “I am the life.”
So for the believer, death is real, but death is not final.
The body returns to dust, but the soul belongs to the Lord.
For the Christian, death is not the end of existence. It is a departure from the body and an entrance into the presence of Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:6–8
“Therefore we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord; for we walk by faith, not by sight. We are courageous, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.”
“To be absent from the body” is “to be at home with the Lord.”
That is why we can grieve with hope.
We grieve because we miss her.
We grieve because a chair is empty.
We grieve because her voice is no longer heard in the same way.
We grieve because love has memories.
But we do not grieve as those who have no hope
1 Thessalonians 4:13–14
“But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.”
Notice: the Bible does not say, “Do not grieve.”
It says, “Do not grieve like those who have no hope.”
Christian grief is still grief, but it is grief with a window open toward heaven.
Before Jesus went to the cross, He comforted His disciples with the promise of heaven.
John 14:1–3
“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also.”
Jesus said, “Don’t let your heart be troubled.”
That does not mean the heart will not feel pain. It means the heart has somewhere to rest.
Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many homes.”
For the believer, death is not homelessness. It is homecoming.
This mother is not wandering.
She is not forgotten.
She is not abandoned.
She is in the care of the Lord she believed in.
And one day, all who are in Christ will be reunited in the presence of God.
The Bible gives us one of the most beautiful promises in Revelation.
Revelation 21:3–4
“I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, ‘Behold, God’s dwelling is with people; and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore. The first things have passed away.’”
“He will wipe away every tear.”
God does not ignore tears.
God does not mock tears.
God does not forget tears.
He wipes them away.
And notice what will be gone:
Death will be no more.
Mourning will be no more.
Crying will be no more.
Pain will be no more.
That is the final future of every believer in Jesus Christ.
Genesis says, “To dust you shall return.”
Ecclesiastes says, “There is a time to die.”
But Revelation says, “Death will be no more.”
That is the journey from dust to glory.
To the family: your grief is real. Your loss is real. There will be days when memories bring smiles, and days when they bring tears. There will be moments when you reach for the phone, or remember a word she used to say, or feel the silence of her absence.
But let this truth hold you:
Her life was not meaningless.
Her love was not wasted.
Her faith was not in vain.
Her death is not the end.
Because she believed in Jesus as Lord, she is safe in the hands of Christ.
Psalm 116:15
“Precious in Yahweh’s sight is the death of his saints.”
The death of one of God’s people is precious in His sight. Not because death itself is beautiful, but because the believer is precious to God.
The world may see only a body returning to dust.
But heaven sees a soul received by the Lord.
The world may say, “She is gone.”
But faith says, “She is with Christ.”
The world may say, “This is the end.”
But Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life.”
A funeral speaks to everyone.
It reminds us that life is short.
It reminds us that our days are numbered.
It reminds us that one day others will gather for us.
The question is not only, “Where has she gone?”
The question is also, “Are we ready to meet God?”
Hebrews 9:27
“Inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once, and after this, judgment.”
There is an appointed time.
A time to be born.
A time to die.
And after death, we stand before God.
But the good news is this: Jesus has made a way.
He died for our sins.
He rose from the dead.
He offers forgiveness, eternal life, and peace with God.
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Death is the wage of sin.
But eternal life is the gift of God.
And that gift is found in Jesus Christ.
Today, we remember a mother.
We thank God for her life.
We thank God for the love she gave.
We thank God for the faith she had.
We thank God that she believed in Jesus as Lord.
And because of Christ, we can say:
The dust is not the end.
The grave is not the end.
Death is not the end.
For the believer, to die is to be with Christ.
Philippians 1:21
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
That is not natural thinking. That is resurrection thinking.
To live is Christ.
To die is gain.
Why gain?
Because the believer goes to be with the Lord.
So today we mourn, but we also hope.
We cry, but we also trust.
We lay the body down, but we lift our eyes to heaven.
Genesis tells us why we die.
Ecclesiastes tells us there is a time to die.
The Gospel tells us Jesus died and rose again.
Revelation tells us death will one day be no more.
And Jesus says:
John 14:19
“Because I live, you will live also.”
Amen.
Father God,
We come before You today with heavy hearts. We thank You for the life of this beloved mother. We thank You for the love she gave, the memories she leaves behind, and the faith she placed in Jesus Christ as Lord.
Lord, we know that because of sin, our bodies return to dust. We know there is a time to be born and a time to die. But we also know that Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
Comfort this family. Strengthen this church member. Surround them with Your peace. Let them grieve honestly, but not without hope.
Thank You that for those who believe in Jesus, death is not the end. Thank You that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Thank You that one day You will wipe away every tear, and death will be no more.
We place this mother into Your loving hands, trusting in Your mercy, Your promises, and Your Son, Jesus Christ.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Main Text: Matthew 7:13–14
Father God,
We come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. Open our ears to hear Your Word. Open our hearts to receive correction, truth, wisdom, and salvation. Help us not to walk with the crowd if the crowd is going away from You. Help us not to choose the easy way if the easy way leads to destruction. Show us Jesus, the true gate, the true way, the truth, and the life.
Lord, lead us onto the narrow road. Keep us there. Strengthen us to endure until the end.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Jesus said:
“Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it.
How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.”
These are not the words of a harsh preacher trying to frighten people.
These are the words of Jesus Christ.
The same Jesus who welcomed sinners said this.
The same Jesus who healed the sick said this.
The same Jesus who wept over Jerusalem said this.
The same Jesus who died on the cross said this.
He said there are two gates.
One is wide.
One is narrow.
He said there are two roads.
One is broad.
One is restricted.
He said there are two destinations.
One leads to destruction.
One leads to life.
He said there are two groups of people.
Many are on the broad road.
Few find the narrow road.
This is one of the most serious teachings Jesus ever gave.
Many people like to imagine that all roads lead to God. But Jesus said the opposite. He said there is a road that leads to life and a road that leads to destruction.
This means sincerity is not enough.
Religion is not enough.
Popularity is not enough.
Family background is not enough.
Church attendance without true faith is not enough.
Good intentions are not enough.
The question is:
Which road are you on?
Jesus says:
“Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it.”
The broad road is easy.
You do not have to repent to walk on the broad road.
You do not have to deny yourself.
You do not have to carry a cross.
You do not have to forgive your enemies.
You do not have to obey Jesus.
You do not have to surrender your pride.
You do not have to resist temptation.
You do not have to love truth.
You do not have to be born again.
The broad road lets people carry their idols with them.
Their greed.
Their lust.
Their bitterness.
Their pride.
Their false religion.
Their unforgiveness.
Their self-righteousness.
Their secret sin.
Their love of the world.
The broad road says, “Come as you are and stay as you are.”
But Jesus says:
“I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way.”
And again:
“I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way.”
Repentance is not optional.
The broad road is popular because it does not demand repentance. It allows people to keep sin and still feel spiritual. It allows people to say “God” without obeying God. It allows people to say “Jesus” without following Jesus.
But Jesus said that broad road leads to destruction.
The Bible warns us:
“There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”
A road can seem right and still lead to death.
That is frightening.
A person may say, “This feels right to me.”
But feelings are not always truth.
A person may say, “Everyone is doing it.”
But the crowd is not always right.
A person may say, “This is what I believe.”
But belief must be tested by the Word of God.
A person may say, “I am a good person.”
But the Bible says:
“For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.”
The broad road is full of people who think they are right with God because they compare themselves with other people.
But God does not judge us by comparing us to other sinners. God judges by His own holiness.
“As it is written, ‘There is no one righteous; no, not one.
There is no one who understands.
There is no one who seeks after God.
They have all turned away.
They have together become unprofitable.
There is no one who does good, no, not so much as one.’”
That is why we need Jesus.
The narrow road does not begin with saying, “I am good enough.”
The narrow road begins when we confess, “Lord, I am a sinner. I need mercy. I need forgiveness. I need a Saviour.”
Jesus said:
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.’”
Jesus did not say, “I am one of many ways.”
He said, “I am the way.”
Jesus did not say, “I am one truth among many truths.”
He said, “I am the truth.”
Jesus did not say, “I can improve your life.”
He said, “I am the life.”
And then He said:
“No one comes to the Father, except through me.”
That is narrow.
The narrow road is narrow because Christ is the only Saviour.
“There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven that is given among men by which we must be saved!”
There is no other name.
Not Buddha.
Not Muhammad.
Not self-improvement.
Not good works.
Not church membership.
Not religious tradition.
Not family heritage.
Not human philosophy.
Not money.
Not morality without Christ.
Only Jesus saves.
The gate is narrow because only Christ died for our sins.
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
who gave himself as a ransom for all; the testimony in its own times.”
There is one mediator.
Not many mediators.
One mediator.
Jesus Christ.
The narrow gate is not narrow because God is cruel. It is narrow because salvation is found only in the One who died and rose again.
A religious ruler named Nicodemus came to Jesus. He had knowledge. He had religion. He had status. But Jesus told him something he still needed.
“Jesus answered him, ‘Most certainly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can’t see God’s Kingdom.’”
Jesus said unless a person is born again, they cannot see the Kingdom of God.
That means natural birth is not enough.
Being born into a Christian family is not enough.
Being baptised as a baby is not enough by itself.
Having religious culture is not enough.
Knowing Bible stories is not enough.
Having a moral reputation is not enough.
You must be born again.
Jesus continued:
“Jesus answered, ‘Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he can’t enter into God’s Kingdom.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Don’t marvel that I said to you, “You must be born anew.”’”
The narrow road is not a road of human self-improvement. It is the road of new birth by the Spirit of God.
A person cannot walk the narrow road by human strength alone. The heart must be changed.
God promised this in Ezekiel.
“I will also give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.
I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes. You will keep my ordinances and do them.”
God gives a new heart.
That is what we need.
Not just new habits.
Not just new religious language.
Not just a better public image.
Not just a few church meetings.
We need a new heart.
Jesus began His preaching with repentance.
“From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, ‘Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.’”
Repentance means turning.
Turning from sin.
Turning from pride.
Turning from unbelief.
Turning from self-rule.
Turning from darkness.
Turning to God.
The apostle Peter preached:
“Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.”
Repentance is not merely feeling bad because sin has consequences.
Repentance is not simply crying.
Repentance is not just saying sorry and going back to the same life.
True repentance turns.
A thief stops stealing.
A liar turns from lies.
A proud person humbles themselves.
A bitter person forgives.
A sexually immoral person turns from impurity.
A greedy person becomes generous.
An idolater forsakes idols.
A self-righteous person confesses their need for mercy.
John the Baptist said:
“Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance!”
Fruit worthy of repentance.
There should be evidence that the heart has turned.
The narrow road is not perfection in our own strength, but it is a real turning toward God.
Jesus said:
“He said to all, ‘If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever will lose his life for my sake will save it.’”
This is not the language of cheap Christianity.
Jesus did not say, “If anyone wants to follow Me, let him simply add Me to his lifestyle.”
He said:
Deny yourself.
Take up your cross.
Follow Me.
The broad road says, “Express yourself.”
Jesus says, “Deny yourself.”
The broad road says, “Follow your heart.”
Jesus says, “Follow Me.”
The broad road says, “Save your life.”
Jesus says, “Lose your life for My sake, and you will save it.”
The cross was not jewellery in the time of Jesus. It was an instrument of death.
To carry the cross means we die to the old life.
Paul said:
“I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.”
The narrow road is the crucified life.
Not my will, but God’s will.
Not my glory, but Christ’s glory.
Not my kingdom, but God’s Kingdom.
Not my truth, but God’s Word.
Not my sinful desires, but obedience to Jesus.
Jesus never tricked people into following Him. He told them the cost.
“Now great multitudes were going with him. He turned and said to them,
‘If anyone comes to me, and doesn’t hate his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he can’t be my disciple.
Whoever doesn’t bear his own cross and come after me, can’t be my disciple.
For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it?
Or perhaps, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, everyone who sees begins to mock him,
saying, “This man began to build, and wasn’t able to finish.”
Or what king, as he goes to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?
Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an envoy and asks for conditions of peace.
So therefore whoever of you who doesn’t renounce all that he has, he can’t be my disciple.’”
Jesus is not teaching hatred in the sinful sense. He is saying our love and loyalty to Him must be so supreme that every other relationship comes second.
The narrow road means Jesus comes first.
Before family.
Before reputation.
Before comfort.
Before money.
Before career.
Before personal dreams.
Before the approval of people.
Before our own life.
This is why many people turn away.
They want Jesus as helper, but not Lord.
They want Jesus as comforter, but not King.
They want Jesus as Saviour from hell, but not ruler over their life.
But the narrow road belongs to those who say:
“Jesus, You are Lord. I surrender.”
Jesus warned that not every religious person is on the narrow road.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’
Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’”
This passage comes right after Jesus speaks about the narrow road.
That is important.
Some people on the broad road are not atheists. They are religious.
They say, “Lord, Lord.”
They claim spiritual works.
They claim prophecy.
They claim deliverance.
They claim mighty works.
They claim ministry.
But Jesus says:
“I never knew you.”
Why?
Because they were workers of iniquity.
They used His name, but they did not obey His will.
This is a warning to every preacher, every prophet, every church member, every worship singer, every leader, and every person who says they belong to Jesus.
The question is not only, “Do I say Lord?”
The question is, “Does Jesus know me?”
Do I belong to Him?
Do I obey Him?
Do I love Him?
Have I repented?
Am I born again?
Am I walking in truth?
Jesus said:
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
His sheep hear His voice.
His sheep are known by Him.
His sheep follow Him.
Obedience does not earn salvation, but true salvation produces obedience.
Jesus said:
“If you love me, keep my commandments.”
And again:
“One who has my commandments and keeps them, that person is one who loves me. One who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him, and will reveal myself to him.”
Love for Jesus is not only words. Love obeys.
The apostle John said:
“This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments.
One who says, ‘I know him,’ and doesn’t keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth isn’t in him.
But whoever keeps his word, God’s love has most certainly been perfected in him. This is how we know that we are in him:
he who says he remains in him ought himself also to walk just like he walked.”
That is strong.
The one who says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments is a liar.
This is not saying Christians never stumble. Christians still need forgiveness. But the direction of the life changes.
The narrow road is not sinless perfection, but it is sincere obedience.
When we fall, we repent.
When we sin, we confess.
When God corrects us, we listen.
When Scripture exposes us, we submit.
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
The narrow road is not for people who pretend they have no sin.
It is for people who bring their sin into the light and walk with Jesus.
Jesus said:
“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you.
If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his lord.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will keep yours also.”
The narrow road is not popular with the world.
The world loves the broad road because the broad road agrees with the world.
But the narrow road confronts the world.
The narrow road says Jesus is Lord.
The world says self is lord.
The narrow road says repent.
The world says express yourself.
The narrow road says holiness matters.
The world says desire decides truth.
The narrow road says forgive.
The world says take revenge.
The narrow road says store treasures in heaven.
The world says live for now.
The narrow road says there is judgment.
The world says there are no consequences.
Paul said:
“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”
Not some. All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
That does not mean every believer suffers in the same way. But true godliness will eventually clash with the spirit of this world.
Some people misunderstand the narrow road. They think it means we save ourselves by strict religious works.
That is not the Gospel.
The Bible says:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
not of works, that no one would boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.”
We are saved by grace through faith.
Not by works.
But we are saved for good works.
Good works are not the root of salvation. They are the fruit of salvation.
The narrow road is not earning salvation.
It is walking in the salvation Christ gives.
Paul said:
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age;
looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.”
Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness.
So anyone who says grace means we can continue in sin has not understood grace.
Grace does not open the broad road.
Grace brings us through the narrow gate and teaches us to walk the narrow road.
The Bible says:
“Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man will see the Lord.”
Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.
This does not mean we are saved by our own perfect holiness. It means those who belong to God are set apart by God.
Peter said:
“As children of obedience, don’t conform yourselves according to your former lusts as in your ignorance,
but just as he who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all of your behavior,
because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”
The narrow road is a holy road.
Isaiah spoke of a highway of holiness.
“A highway will be there, a road, and it will be called The Holy Way. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it will be for those who walk in the Way. Wicked fools will not go there.”
The road of God is called the Holy Way.
This does not mean believers are proud. It means believers are separated unto God.
We do not walk as we used to walk.
Paul said:
“This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,
being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their hearts.
They, having become callous, gave themselves up to lust, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
But you didn’t learn Christ that way,
if indeed you heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus:
that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit,
and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.”
The old life must be put away.
The new man must be put on.
Jesus said:
“Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold.
But he who endures to the end will be saved.”
The narrow road is not only about starting. It is about enduring.
Some people start with excitement but fall away when trouble comes.
Jesus explained this in the parable of the sower.
“What was sown on the rocky places, this is he who hears the word and immediately with joy receives it;
yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
What was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.”
Some fall away because of persecution.
Others are choked by cares and riches.
This is why we must guard the heart.
The narrow road has trials.
The narrow road has temptations.
The narrow road has opposition.
The narrow road has suffering.
The narrow road has seasons where we feel weak.
But Jesus gives strength.
“Therefore let’s also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us,
looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Run with perseverance.
Looking to Jesus.
Not looking to the crowd.
Not looking to our feelings.
Not looking to the broad road.
Looking to Jesus.
He is the author and perfecter of our faith.
Jesus said few find it. That can sound lonely.
But the narrow road is not empty.
Noah walked with God in a corrupt generation.
“This is the history of the generations of Noah: Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time. Noah walked with God.”
Elijah felt alone, but God had preserved others.
“He said, ‘I have been very jealous for Yahweh, the God of Armies; for the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.’”
Then God said:
“Yet I reserved seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth which has not kissed him.”
Elijah felt alone, but he was not alone.
Sometimes the faithful feel outnumbered.
But God always has His people.
The narrow road may be few compared with the broad road, but every true believer walks under the care of the Good Shepherd.
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
The narrow road may pass through valleys, but the Shepherd is with us.
Jesus said the broad road leads to destruction.
This is why the subject is urgent.
The broad road does not merely lead to disappointment. It leads to destruction.
The Bible says:
“And to give relief to you who are afflicted with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire,
punishing those who don’t know God, and to those who don’t obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus,
who will pay the penalty: eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might,
when he comes in that day to be glorified in his saints and to be admired among all those who have believed…”
This is serious.
Those who do not know God and do not obey the Gospel face eternal destruction.
Jesus also said:
“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory.
Before him all the nations will be gathered, and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
He will set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Then the King will tell those on his right hand, ‘Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’”
Then to those on the left:
“Then he will say also to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels.’”
And Jesus concludes:
“These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Two destinations.
Eternal punishment.
Eternal life.
This is why Jesus tells us to enter by the narrow gate.
He is not trying to keep people out. He is warning people so they may enter.
Jesus said:
“How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.”
The narrow road leads to life.
Not merely a better earthly life.
Eternal life.
Jesus said:
“I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture.
The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.”
Jesus is the door.
If anyone enters by Him, he will be saved.
That is the narrow gate.
The narrow road may be hard, but its destination is glorious.
“I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, ‘Behold, God’s dwelling is with people; and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore. The first things have passed away.’”
No more death.
No more mourning.
No more crying.
No more pain.
That is where the narrow road ends.
The broad road may look easier at first, but it ends in destruction.
The narrow road may be difficult now, but it ends in glory.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us.”
The suffering is temporary.
The glory is eternal.
God has always placed the choice before people.
“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Therefore choose life, that you may live, you and your descendants,
to love Yahweh your God, to obey his voice, and to cling to him; for he is your life, and the length of your days…”
Life and death.
Blessing and curse.
Choose life.
Joshua said:
“If it seems evil to you to serve Yahweh, choose today whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.”
Choose today.
Not tomorrow.
Not later.
Not when you are older.
Not after you enjoy more of the world.
Today.
“For he says, ‘At an acceptable time I listened to you. In a day of salvation I helped you.’ Behold, now is the acceptable time. Behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Now is the day of salvation.
The narrow gate is open now.
Jesus calls now.
The Spirit convicts now.
The Gospel is preached now.
Jesus said:
“One said to him, ‘Lord, are they few who are saved?’
He said to them, ‘Strive to enter in by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in, and will not be able.
When once the master of the house has risen up and has shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, “Lord, Lord, open to us!” then he will answer and tell you, “I don’t know you or where you come from.”
Then you will begin to say, “We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.”
He will say, “I tell you, I don’t know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity.”’”
That is a fearful warning.
There will come a time when the door is shut.
So enter now.
Do not simply admire Jesus. Enter through Him.
Do not simply agree with the Bible. Obey it.
Do not simply say, “Lord, Lord.” Surrender to Him.
Do not simply walk near the narrow road. Walk on it.
Jesus says:
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me.”
He is calling.
The question is: will you open?
The narrow road teaches us:
There are only two roads.
The broad road is easy, popular, and leads to destruction.
The narrow road is difficult, holy, and leads to life.
Jesus Christ is the narrow gate.
No one comes to the Father except through Him.
To walk this road, we must be born again, repent, deny ourselves, take up our cross, follow Jesus, obey His Word, endure to the end, and trust His grace.
The narrow road is not legalism.
It is life in Christ.
The narrow road is not popular.
But it is true.
The narrow road is not always easy.
But it leads to eternal life.
So hear the words of Jesus again:
“Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it.
How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.”
Enter by the narrow gate.
Enter through Jesus.
Walk the narrow road.
Follow Him until the end.
Father God,
Thank You for the words of Jesus. Thank You that He warned us about the broad road and called us to the narrow road.
Lord, forgive us for the times we have followed the crowd, loved the world, excused sin, or tried to follow Jesus without surrender.
Give us repentance. Give us faith. Give us new hearts. Help us deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus.
Lord Jesus, You are the way, the truth, and the life. We enter through You. We trust in Your blood, Your death, Your resurrection, and Your mercy.
Holy Spirit, keep us on the narrow road. Strengthen us when we are weak. Correct us when we drift. Convict us when we sin. Comfort us when we suffer. Help us endure to the end.
May we not be among those who say “Lord, Lord” but do not obey. May we be known by Jesus, led by Jesus, and kept by Jesus.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Main Scripture: Luke 16:19–31
Father God,
We come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. Open our ears to hear Your Word. Open our hearts to receive truth. Help us not to be proud, distracted, or hardened. Teach us what happens after death. Teach us the seriousness of eternity. Teach us the comfort promised to those who belong to You. And teach us to repent while there is still time.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Every person must face one question:
What happens after we die?
People try to avoid this question. They distract themselves with money, work, pleasure, entertainment, business, family, arguments, success, and daily life. But no person can avoid death forever.
The Bible says:
“Inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once, and after this, judgment.”
There is an appointment every human being must keep.
We can miss a doctor’s appointment.
We can cancel a meeting.
We can delay a project.
We can ignore a phone call.
But no person can cancel the appointment of death.
And after death, the Bible says there is judgment.
Today, we are looking at one of the clearest teachings Jesus ever gave about the afterlife. It is the story of the rich man and Lazarus.
This sermon is about death.
It is about hell.
It is about comfort.
It is about judgment.
It is about the afterlife.
And most importantly, it is about whether we are ready to meet God.
“Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, living in luxury every day.
A certain beggar, named Lazarus, was laid at his gate, full of sores,
and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores.
The beggar died, and he was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried.
In Hades, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far off, and Lazarus at his bosom.
He cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue! For I am in anguish in this flame.’
But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that you, in your lifetime, received your good things, and Lazarus, in the same way, bad things. But now here he is comforted and you are in anguish.
Besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that those who want to pass from here to you are not able, and that no one may cross over from there to us.’
He said, ‘I ask you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house;
for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, so they won’t also come into this place of torment.’
But Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’
He said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’
He said to him, ‘If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if one rises from the dead.’”
Jesus begins:
“Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, living in luxury every day.
A certain beggar, named Lazarus, was laid at his gate, full of sores,
and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores.”
Here we see two men.
One is rich.
One is poor.
One is clothed in purple and fine linen.
One is covered in sores.
One feasts every day.
One longs for crumbs.
One lives behind a gate.
One lies outside the gate.
One is honoured by men.
One is ignored by men.
The rich man had comfort on earth. Lazarus had misery on earth.
But Jesus wants us to understand something: earthly condition is not the final measure of a person’s life.
A person can be rich on earth and lost before God.
A person can be poor on earth and precious before God.
A person can be celebrated by people and condemned by God.
A person can be forgotten by people and remembered by God.
This does not mean wealth automatically sends someone to hell. Abraham himself was wealthy. Job was wealthy. Joseph of Arimathea was wealthy. Lydia was a seller of purple cloth and used her resources for the work of God.
The issue is not simply money.
The issue is the heart.
The rich man was not condemned merely because he had wealth. He was condemned because he lived selfishly, without repentance, without mercy, without obedience, and without true faith.
Lazarus was not saved merely because he was poor. Poverty does not save. Suffering does not save. Being oppressed does not automatically make a person right with God.
Lazarus was carried to Abraham’s bosom because he belonged to God.
The name Lazarus means something like “God has helped.”
Man did not help him.
The rich man did not help him.
Society did not help him.
But God helped him.
The rich man saw Lazarus every day. Lazarus was not far away. He was at the gate.
This is very important.
The rich man did not have to travel across the world to find someone in need. The need was at his own gate.
He had food. Lazarus wanted crumbs.
He had clothing. Lazarus had sores.
He had comfort. Lazarus had dogs licking his wounds.
He had opportunity. He ignored it.
This connects strongly with the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 25.
The Sheep and the Goats
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
This passage connects strongly to the rich man and Lazarus.
The rich man had Lazarus at his gate.
Lazarus was hungry.
Lazarus was sick.
Lazarus was covered in sores.
Lazarus was in need.
Lazarus was one of the least.
And the rich man did nothing.
He did not feed him.
He did not clothe him.
He did not care for him.
He did not show mercy.
He did not love his neighbour.
The rich man probably knew the Scriptures. He called Abraham “father.” That means he had religious knowledge. He had religious identity. He probably thought of himself as a son of Abraham. But he did not have the faith of Abraham.
True faith produces mercy.
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith but has no works? Can faith save him?
And if a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food,
and one of you tells them, ‘Go in peace. Be warmed and filled,’ yet you didn’t give them the things the body needs, what good is it?
Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself.”
James is not teaching that we are saved by earning salvation through good works. The Bible is clear that we are saved by grace through faith.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
not of works, that no one would boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.”
We are not saved by good works.
But true saving faith produces good works.
The rich man’s life showed no mercy. No compassion. No repentance. No evidence of a changed heart.
He had purple clothing, but not a righteous heart.
He had fine linen, but not clean hands before God.
He had a table full of food, but no love for the suffering man at his gate.
And this is a warning to us.
It is possible to be blessed outwardly and bankrupt inwardly.
It is possible to have comfort on earth and torment after death.
It is possible to have people admire you in life and God reject you in judgment.
Jesus said:
“He said to them, ‘Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man’s life doesn’t consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses.’”
A man’s life is not measured by what he owns.
A woman’s life is not measured by possessions, property, clothing, money, business, cars, houses, or social status.
A person’s life is measured before God.
Jesus then says something very simple and very powerful.
“The beggar died, and he was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried.”
Both men died.
The poor man died.
The rich man died.
Lazarus could not escape death.
The rich man could not escape death.
Poverty could not prevent death.
Money could not prevent death.
Suffering did not prevent death.
Luxury did not prevent death.
This is the great equaliser of mankind.
Death comes to the palace and the poor house.
Death comes to the rich and the poor.
Death comes to the famous and the forgotten.
Death comes to the healthy and the sick.
Death comes to the old and sometimes even to the young.
The Bible says:
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.”
There is a time to die.
That is not a pleasant truth, but it is a necessary truth.
Many people live as if they will never die. They plan for retirement, but not eternity. They insure their house, but not their soul. They prepare for holidays, weddings, business deals, and family events, but they do not prepare to meet God.
But the Bible says:
“The days of our years are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty years;
yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for it passes quickly, and we fly away.
Who knows the power of your anger, your wrath according to the fear that is due to you?
So teach us to count our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
“So teach us to count our days.”
A wise person counts their days.
Not in fear without hope, but in truth.
We do not have unlimited time on this earth. We have a short life, and then eternity.
“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow let’s go into this city, and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit.’
Whereas you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.”
Life is a vapor.
It appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.
The rich man’s wealth could not keep him alive. Lazarus’s suffering did not mean God forgot him. Both men died, but their deaths did not lead to the same destination.
This is one of the most important lessons in the whole passage:
Death is not the end. Death is a doorway.
For Lazarus, death was a doorway into comfort.
For the rich man, death was a doorway into torment.
Look carefully at what Jesus says about Lazarus.
“The beggar died, and he was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom.”
The world had carried Lazarus to the gate.
The Bible says he “was laid” at the rich man’s gate. He was helpless. Someone placed him there.
But when Lazarus died, angels carried him.
That is beautiful.
On earth, he was neglected.
In death, he was honoured.
On earth, he was ignored by the rich man.
In death, he was received by heaven.
On earth, dogs licked his sores.
In death, angels carried him.
The world may not see the value of a suffering believer, but heaven does.
The world may walk past the poor, the sick, the weak, and the broken, but God does not.
“Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.”
God is near to the brokenhearted.
Lazarus may have looked abandoned, but he was not abandoned by God.
The rich man had servants in life.
Lazarus had angels in death.
That tells us something powerful: the believer is never alone.
Even when dying, the believer is not alone.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
The believer does not walk through death alone.
The Lord is there.
For those who belong to Jesus Christ, death is not God losing hold of them. Death is God bringing them home.
“Therefore we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord;
for we walk by faith, not by sight.
We are courageous, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.”
To be absent from the body is to be at home with the Lord.
That is comfort for every believer.
The body may be weak.
The breath may fail.
The heart may stop.
But the soul of the believer is safe with God.
Jesus says:
“The rich man also died, and was buried.
In Hades, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far off, and Lazarus at his bosom.”
Notice the contrast.
Lazarus died and was carried by angels.
The rich man died and was buried.
His funeral may have been impressive. There may have been honour, speeches, mourners, fine clothing, and public respect. People may have spoken well of him.
But after the burial, Jesus shows us the unseen reality.
“In Hades, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment.”
This is frightening.
The rich man still existed after death.
He still had memory.
He still had awareness.
He still had desire.
He still had regret.
He still had concern for his brothers.
He still understood that he was in torment.
Death did not end his consciousness.
This destroys the lie that when we die, everything simply goes black and nothing matters.
Jesus teaches that after death, there is conscious existence.
For the righteous, there is comfort.
For the wicked, there is torment.
“Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”
Some awake to everlasting life.
Some awake to shame and everlasting contempt.
Jesus also said:
“Don’t marvel at this, for the hour comes in which all that are in the tombs will hear his voice,
and will come out; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment.”
There is a resurrection of life.
There is a resurrection of judgment.
Every person will be raised. Every person will stand before God. Every person will face eternity.
This is why we must not treat this life lightly.
The rich man cries out:
“He cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue! For I am in anguish in this flame.’”
This is one of the most sobering verses in the Bible.
The rich man asks for mercy.
But he asks too late.
He asks for Lazarus to bring him even a drop of water.
In life, Lazarus wanted crumbs from the rich man’s table.
In death, the rich man wants a drop of water from Lazarus’s finger.
In life, Lazarus suffered outside the gate.
In death, the rich man suffers beyond the gulf.
In life, the rich man would not show mercy.
In death, the rich man begs for mercy.
Jesus describes this place as torment, anguish, and flame.
Some people today do not like preaching about hell. They say, “A loving God would never judge.”
But Jesus spoke about hell clearly and often.
Jesus said:
“Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.”
Jesus said we must fear God, who has authority over body and soul.
Jesus also said:
“If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having your two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire,
‘where their worm doesn’t die, and the fire is not quenched.’
If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life lame, rather than having your two feet to be cast into Gehenna, into the fire that will never be quenched—
‘where their worm doesn’t die, and the fire is not quenched.’
If your eye causes you to stumble, cast it out. It is better for you to enter into God’s Kingdom with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the Gehenna of fire,
‘where their worm doesn’t die, and the fire is not quenched.’”
Jesus is not telling people to physically mutilate themselves. He is teaching the seriousness of sin.
If something is leading you to destruction, cut it off.
If pride is leading you to hell, cut it off.
If greed is leading you to hell, cut it off.
If lust is leading you to hell, cut it off.
If bitterness is leading you to hell, cut it off.
If false religion is leading you to hell, cut it off.
If unbelief is leading you to hell, repent.
Better to lose anything in this life than lose your soul in eternity.
Jesus asked:
“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?
For what will a man give in exchange for his life?”
What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?
The rich man had wealth, but he lost his soul.
He had luxury, but he lost his soul.
He had fine clothing, but he lost his soul.
He had a gate, a table, a house, and honour among men, but he lost his soul.
And Jesus says there is no profit in that.
Abraham says to the rich man:
“But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that you, in your lifetime, received your good things, and Lazarus, in the same way, bad things. But now here he is comforted and you are in anguish.’”
This is not saying every rich person goes to hell and every poor person goes to heaven. That is not the teaching.
But it is warning us that earthly comfort can blind people to eternal danger.
The rich man received his good things in his lifetime. He lived as if this world was all that mattered. He made earth his heaven, and then found torment after death.
This is the danger of living for this world only.
Jesus said:
“He lifted up his eyes to his disciples, and said,
‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is God’s Kingdom.
Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled.
Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude and mock you, and throw out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake.
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven, for their fathers did the same thing to the prophets.
But woe to you who are rich! For you have received your consolation.
Woe to you, you who are full now, for you will be hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.
Woe, when men speak well of you, for their fathers did the same thing to the false prophets.’”
Jesus is not condemning every person with money. He is warning those who are satisfied without God.
“Woe to you who are rich! For you have received your consolation.”
That means if this world is your treasure, this world may be all the comfort you ever receive.
But if Christ is your treasure, even suffering cannot rob you of eternal life.
“Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal;
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal;
for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The rich man’s treasure was on earth.
Lazarus’s treasure was with God.
And death revealed the truth.
Death always reveals the truth.
In life, men can hide behind appearances.
In death, all appearances are stripped away.
In life, people can pretend.
In death, the soul stands exposed before God.
Abraham says:
“Son, remember that you, in your lifetime, received your good things…”
“Son, remember.”
This is terrifying.
The rich man could remember his life.
He could remember his wealth.
He could remember his opportunities.
He could remember Lazarus.
He could remember his father’s house.
He could remember his five brothers.
He could remember the Scriptures he had ignored.
He could remember the mercy he had refused to show.
One of the torments of hell is memory.
The sinner may remember every sermon ignored.
Every warning rejected.
Every opportunity wasted.
Every time God called and they hardened their heart.
Every time they chose sin over truth.
Every time they heard the Gospel and said, “Not now.”
The Bible warns us not to delay repentance.
“While it is said, ‘Today if you will hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts, as in the rebellion.’”
Today.
Not tomorrow.
Not next year.
Not when life is easier.
Not when you are older.
Not when you have finished chasing the world.
Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart.
“For he says, ‘At an acceptable time I listened to you. In a day of salvation I helped you.’ Behold, now is the acceptable time. Behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Now is the day of salvation.
The rich man wanted mercy after death, but the time for repentance had passed.
This is why the Gospel must be preached while people are still alive.
This is why we warn people.
Not because we hate them.
Not because we want to frighten them for no reason.
But because eternity is real.
A doctor who refuses to warn a patient about deadly disease is not loving.
A watchman who refuses to warn a city about danger is not loving.
A preacher who refuses to warn sinners about hell is not loving.
God told Ezekiel:
“So you, son of man, I have set you as a watchman to the house of Israel. Therefore hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.
When I tell the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ and you don’t speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, but I will require his blood at your hand.
Nevertheless, if you warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, and he doesn’t turn from his way, he will die in his iniquity, but you have delivered your soul.”
The watchman must warn.
The preacher must warn.
The church must warn.
Parents must warn their children.
Christians must warn the lost.
Hell is too serious for silence.
Abraham says:
“Besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that those who want to pass from here to you are not able, and that no one may cross over from there to us.”
This is one of the clearest teachings in the Bible that after death, a person’s eternal condition is fixed.
There is no crossing over.
There is no second chance after death.
There is no purifying yourself after you die.
There is no bargaining your way out.
There is no one who can pay money to move you from torment to comfort.
There is a great gulf fixed.
This is why the decisions of this life matter.
The Bible says
:
“If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth; and if a tree falls toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it shall be.”
Where the tree falls, there it lies.
Where a person dies spiritually, there they enter eternity.
If a person dies in Christ, they are with Christ.
If a person dies in sin, they face judgment.
Jesus said:
“I said therefore to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am he, you will die in your sins.”
That is a terrifying phrase: “die in your sins.”
Not die forgiven.
Not die cleansed.
Not die saved.
But die in your sins.
The only hope is Jesus Christ.
“There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven that is given among men by which we must be saved!”
There is no other name.
Not religion.
Not good deeds.
Not family heritage.
Not church attendance without true faith.
Not money.
Not reputation.
Not culture.
Not philosophy.
Only Jesus Christ saves.
The rich man then says:
“He said, ‘I ask you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house;
for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, so they won’t also come into this place of torment.’”
Now the rich man is concerned about evangelism.
But he is concerned too late.
When he was alive, he could have cared for his brothers’ souls. He could have warned them. He could have lived righteously before them. He could have listened to the Scriptures. He could have repented.
But now he is in torment, and he wants Lazarus to go warn his family.
Notice what he says:
“So they won’t also come into this place of torment.”
The rich man knew he was in a real place.
He knew he did not want his brothers there.
He knew they were in danger.
He knew they needed warning.
This tells us something: nobody in hell wants their family to join them there.
There is no party in hell.
People joke about hell. They say, “I’ll be there with my friends.” But Jesus does not describe hell as friendship, laughter, drinking, or pleasure.
He describes it as torment.
The rich man does not say, “Tell my brothers to come join me.”
He says, “Warn them, so they do not come here.”
If the lost in torment could preach one sermon to the living, it would be this:
Repent before it is too late.
Turn to God before it is too late.
Believe the Word before it is too late.
Do not come to this place of torment.
Abraham answers:
“But Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’”
This is extremely important.
Abraham does not say, “They need a miracle.”
He says, “They have Moses and the prophets.”
That means they have the Word of God.
Moses and the prophets refer to the Old Testament Scriptures.
The rich man’s brothers had Scripture. They had enough truth to repent.
The problem was not lack of evidence.
The problem was unbelief.
Many people today say, “If God showed me a miracle, I would believe.”
But Jesus teaches that if people reject the Word of God, even miracles will not change a hardened heart.
The Scriptures already testify about God, sin, judgment, mercy, and salvation.
“Yahweh’s law is perfect, restoring the soul.
Yahweh’s covenant is sure, making wise the simple.
Yahweh’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart.
Yahweh’s commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever.
Yahweh’s ordinances are true, and righteous altogether.
They are more to be desired than gold, yes, than much fine gold,
sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb.
Moreover your servant is warned by them. In keeping them there is great reward.”
The Word of God restores the soul.
The Word of God makes wise the simple.
The Word of God warns the servant.
The Scriptures are not weak.
“From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus.
Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness,
that each person who belongs to God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
The holy Scriptures are able to make a person wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
That is why Abraham says, “They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.”
The Word is enough to warn.
The Word is enough to convict.
The Word is enough to lead to repentance.
The Word is enough to point to Christ.
The rich man argues:
“He said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’”
This sounds reasonable to human thinking.
Surely if a dead man came back and warned people, they would repent.
Surely if people saw a miracle, they would believe.
Surely if God shook them enough, they would change.
But Abraham says:
“He said to him, ‘If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if one rises from the dead.’”
This is one of the deepest statements in the whole passage.
“If they do not listen to the Word of God, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.”
And what happened later?
Jesus Christ rose from the dead.
And still many did not believe.
The resurrection of Jesus is the greatest sign in history. The Son of God died on the cross, was buried, and rose again on the third day. Yet hardened hearts still reject Him.
“The angel answered the women, ‘Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.
He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.
Go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.” Behold, I have told you.’”
Jesus rose from the dead.
But many still refused to repent.
“But though he had done so many signs before them, yet they didn’t believe in him,
that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke,
‘Lord, who has believed our report?
To whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?’
For this cause they couldn’t believe, for Isaiah said again,
‘He has blinded their eyes and he hardened their heart,
lest they should see with their eyes,
and perceive with their heart,
and would turn,
and I would heal them.’”
Jesus did miracles in front of people, and they still did not believe.
This tells us the depth of human hardness.
The problem is not that God has failed to speak.
The problem is that people refuse to listen.
The Rich Man and Lazarus: Death, Hell, Comfort, Judgment, and the Afterlife (Part 2)
There is something very interesting in this passage.The poor man is named Lazarus.Later in the Gospel of John, Jesus raises another man named Lazarus from the dead.
“When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ He who was dead came out, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Free him, and let him go.’”
Jesus literally raised a man named Lazarus from the dead.And did everyone repent?No.Some believed, but others plotted against Jesus.
“Therefore many of the Jews who came to Mary and saw what Jesus did believed in him. But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things which Jesus had done. The chief priests therefore and the Pharisees gathered a council, and said, ‘What are we doing? For this man does many signs. If we leave him alone like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.’ But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, ‘You know nothing at all, nor do you consider that it is advantageous for us that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.’ Now he didn’t say this of himself, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but that he might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. So from that day forward they took counsel that they might put him to death.”
A man named Lazarus was raised from the dead, and instead of repenting, the leaders plotted to kill Jesus.Even worse, they wanted to kill Lazarus too.
“A large crowd therefore of the Jews learned that he was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. But the chief priests conspired to put Lazarus to death also, because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.”
This proves exactly what Abraham said:“If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if one rises from the dead.”A miracle can reveal God’s power, but only a humbled heart will receive God’s truth.
The rich man and Lazarus teaches us that the afterlife is real.This life is not all there is.The soul continues after death.There is comfort for the righteous. There is torment for the wicked. There is memory. There is consciousness. There is separation. There is no crossing after death. There is urgency to repent now.Some people say, “No one knows what happens after death.”But Jesus knows.Jesus came from heaven. Jesus conquered death. Jesus rose from the grave. Jesus has authority to tell us what comes after this life.
“Most certainly I tell you, we speak that which we know, and testify of that which we have seen, and you don’t receive our witness. If I told you earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man, who is in heaven.”
Jesus speaks with heavenly authority.He does not guess. He does not speculate. He does not give opinions.He reveals truth.
The rich man is in Hades, a place of torment. But Scripture also teaches a final judgment, where death and Hades are cast into the lake of fire.
“I saw a great white throne and him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. There was found no place for them. I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and they opened books. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works. The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. They were judged, each one according to his works. Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. If anyone was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.”
This is the final judgment.The dead, great and small, stand before God.Kings will stand there. Presidents will stand there. Prime ministers will stand there. Billionaires will stand there. Celebrities will stand there. Preachers will stand there. Ordinary people will stand there. The forgotten poor will stand there. The proud rich will stand there.No one escapes the throne of God.And the question is: Is your name written in the book of life?
“There will in no way enter into it anything profane, or one who causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
Only those written in the Lamb’s book of life enter the holy city.How is a person saved?Through Jesus Christ.
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.’”
Jesus does not say He is one way among many.He says, “I am the way.”
This sermon is serious, but it is not only warning. It is also full of comfort for those who belong to God.Lazarus suffered terribly in life, but after death he was comforted.
“But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that you, in your lifetime, received your good things, and Lazarus, in the same way, bad things. But now here he is comforted and you are in anguish.’”
“Now here he is comforted.”For the believer, suffering does not have the final word.Pain does not have the final word.Poverty does not have the final word.Sickness does not have the final word.Loneliness does not have the final word.Death does not have the final word.God has the final word.
“I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, ‘Behold, God’s dwelling is with people; and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore. The first things have passed away.’”
This is the destiny of the redeemed.No more death. No more mourning. No more crying. No more pain.The first things have passed away.The world sees Lazarus at the gate and thinks, “What a tragic life.”But heaven sees Lazarus in comfort and says, “What a glorious eternity.”
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us.”
The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come.This does not make suffering painless. But it gives suffering a limit.The suffering of the believer is temporary.The glory of the believer is eternal.
“Therefore we don’t faint, but though our outward person is decaying, yet our inward person is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory, while we don’t look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
The things seen are temporary.The things unseen are eternal.Lazarus’s sores were temporary. Lazarus’s hunger was temporary. Lazarus’s shame was temporary. Lazarus’s suffering was temporary.But his comfort with God was eternal.
This passage also gives a warning to those who are comfortable.The rich man was not in danger because he had food. He was in danger because food, wealth, comfort, and status had become his god.Jesus warned about this in the parable of the rich fool.
“He spoke a parable to them, saying, ‘The ground of a certain rich man produced abundantly. He reasoned within himself, saying, “What will I do, because I don’t have room to store my crops?” He said, “This is what I will do. I will pull down my barns, build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. I will tell my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.’” But God said to him, “You foolish one, tonight your soul is required of you. The things which you have prepared—whose will they be?” So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.’”
“Tonight your soul is required of you.”That is a terrifying sentence.A person can have plans for tomorrow and lose their soul tonight.A person can build bigger barns and never live to enjoy them.A person can say, “Take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry,” and God says, “You fool.”Why was he a fool?Because he prepared for wealth but not eternity.He prepared for storage but not judgment.He prepared for his body but not his soul.Jesus says this is the condition of the person who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.So we must ask:Are we rich toward God?Do we use what God has given us for His glory?Do we care about the Lazarus at our gate?Do we show mercy?Do we repent?Do we obey?Do we believe?
The Bible repeatedly warns against ignoring the poor.
“He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors him.”
When a person despises the poor, they show contempt for God, because the poor are made in the image of God.
“He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; he will reward him.”
To show mercy to the poor is treated by God as service to Him.
“Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he will also cry out, but shall not be heard.”
This verse sounds exactly like the rich man.
He stopped his ears to Lazarus.
Then he cried out from torment and was not given relief.
“But whoever has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, then closes his heart of compassion against him, how does God’s love remain in him?
My little children, let’s not love in word only, or with the tongue only, but in deed and truth.”
The rich man closed his heart of compassion.
This is the danger.
A hard heart toward people can reveal a hard heart toward God.
The rich man says:
“No, father Abraham, but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.”
He knew repentance was needed.
But he understood it too late.
Repentance is not optional.
Jesus began His ministry with repentance.
“From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, ‘Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.’”
Jesus said:
“I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way.”
And again:
“I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way.”
Repentance means turning.
Turning from sin.
Turning from unbelief.
Turning from pride.
Turning from self-rule.
Turning to God.
Repentance is not merely feeling sorry because sin has consequences. The rich man was sorry in torment, but he was not shown as truly transformed.
Repentance is a change of heart before God.
“Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.”
Repent and turn again.
That your sins may be blotted out.
This is the mercy of God.
God does not delight in the death of the wicked.
“Tell them, ‘As I live,’ says the Lord Yahweh, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why will you die, house of Israel?’”
God says, “Turn! Turn from your evil ways!”
Why will you die?
That is the heart of God’s warning. He warns because He is merciful. He calls sinners to repentance because He offers life.
“The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but he is patient with us, not wishing that anyone should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
God is patient.
But His patience should not be mistaken for permission to continue in sin.
The rich man and Lazarus shows the reality of judgment.
But the Gospel shows the mercy of God.
All of us have sinned.
“For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.”
The rich man sinned.
Lazarus sinned.
You have sinned.
I have sinned.
All have sinned.
The wages of sin is death.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
But God sent Jesus Christ.
Jesus lived the life we failed to live.
Jesus obeyed the Father perfectly.
Jesus loved the poor, healed the sick, welcomed sinners, rebuked hypocrites, and preached the Kingdom.
Jesus went to the cross.
Jesus bore sin.
Jesus died.
Jesus was buried.
Jesus rose from the dead.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness. You were healed by his wounds.”
Jesus bore our sins.
“For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Jesus took what we deserved so that those who believe in Him may receive what He deserves.
That is grace.
The rich man cried, “Have mercy on me.”
The Gospel says mercy is available now through Jesus Christ.
“If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.’
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich to all who call on him.
For, ‘Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”
Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
That means there is hope.
Hope for the rich.
Hope for the poor.
Hope for the broken.
Hope for the guilty.
Hope for the proud if they humble themselves.
Hope for the sinner if they repent.
Hope for everyone who calls on Jesus Christ.
There are several lessons we must carry from this passage.
Both men died.
Lazarus was comforted. The rich man was in torment.
The rich man was honoured on earth but lost after death. Lazarus was miserable on earth but comforted after death.
Jesus describes torment, anguish, flame, separation, and no crossing over.
After death, the gulf is fixed.
“They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.”
“If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if one rises from the dead.”
The rich man’s lack of mercy revealed the condition of his soul.
Only Christ can save us from judgment and bring us into eternal life.
This passage should make every person examine themselves.
Are you like Lazarus, poor in spirit and dependent on God?
Or are you like the rich man, comfortable, proud, and spiritually asleep?
Jesus said:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Poor in spirit does not merely mean financially poor. It means knowing your spiritual poverty before God.
It means saying:
Lord, I have nothing to offer You except my need.
I cannot save myself.
I cannot cleanse myself.
I cannot justify myself.
I need mercy.
I need grace.
I need Christ.
That is the heart God receives.
“For my hand has made all these things, and so all these things came to be,” says Yahweh: “but I will look to this man, even to he who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word.”
God looks to the one who is poor and contrite in spirit, who trembles at His Word.
The rich man did not tremble at the Word.
Do we?
Many people delay repentance because they want some special sign.
They say:
“If God shows me something, then I’ll believe.”
“If something supernatural happens, then I’ll repent.”
“If I see enough proof, then I’ll follow Jesus.”
But the rich man and Lazarus tells us that God has already spoken.
You have the Word of God.
You have the testimony of Moses and the prophets.
You have the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
You have the resurrection.
You have the preaching of the cross.
You have the warning of hell.
You have the promise of eternal life.
Do not wait for a dead man to come back and warn you.
Jesus Christ has risen from the dead.
Listen to Him.
“God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,
has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds.
His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, who, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
God has spoken by His Son.
The question is: will we listen?
This passage gives comfort and warning at the same time.
To the suffering believer, it says:
God sees you.
God has not forgotten you.
Your pain is temporary.
Your comfort is coming.
Angels may carry you home.
You will be with the Lord.
To the comfortable sinner, it says:
Wake up.
Your money cannot save you.
Your status cannot save you.
Your religion without repentance cannot save you.
Your family name cannot save you.
Your earthly pleasures will end.
You must repent and believe in Jesus Christ.
To the church, it says:
Preach the truth.
Care for the poor.
Warn the lost.
Do not soften what Jesus made clear.
Do not hide eternity from people.
Do not preach only comfort without warning.
Do not preach only warning without the mercy of Christ.
Jesus preached both.
He warned of hell.
He offered heaven.
He warned of judgment.
He offered forgiveness.
He warned of destruction.
He offered eternal life.
Today, every person listening must choose how they will respond.
The rich man had Scripture, but he did not listen.
His brothers had Scripture, but the rich man feared they would not listen either.
We have even more.
We have Moses.
We have the prophets.
We have the Psalms.
We have the Gospels.
We have the apostles.
We have the cross.
We have the empty tomb.
We have the risen Christ.
We have the warning of hell.
We have the promise of heaven.
So what excuse will remain?
Do not wait until death to care about your soul.
Do not wait until judgment to ask for mercy.
Do not wait until eternity to realise the value of Jesus Christ.
Come to Him now.
“All those whom the Father gives me will come to me. He who comes to me I will in no way throw out.”
Jesus will not cast out the one who comes to Him.
“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Come to Jesus.
Not after death.
Now.
Not when you have fixed yourself.
Now.
Not when you feel worthy.
Now.
Not when life is convenient.
Now.
The rich man wanted mercy too late.
But you can receive mercy today.
“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Therefore choose life, that you may live, you and your descendants,
to love Yahweh your God, to obey his voice, and to cling to him; for he is your life, and the length of your days…”
God sets before us life and death.
Blessing and curse.
Comfort and torment.
Heaven and hell.
Christ and sin.
And He says, “Choose life.”
Jesus Christ is life.
“The testimony is this: that God gave to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
He who has the Son has the life. He who doesn’t have God’s Son doesn’t have the life.”
He who has the Son has life.
He who does not have the Son does not have life.
That is the dividing line of eternity.
Not rich or poor.
Not famous or forgotten.
Not religious or irreligious.
Not comfortable or suffering.
The dividing line is Jesus Christ.
Do you have the Son?
Father God,
Thank You for the words of Jesus. Thank You that He has told us the truth about death, judgment, hell, comfort, and eternity.
Lord, help us not to be like the rich man, comfortable in this life but lost in the next. Help us not to ignore the Lazarus at our gate. Give us hearts of mercy, repentance, faith, and obedience.
For those who are suffering like Lazarus, comfort them. Remind them that You see them, You know them, and You have not forgotten them.
For those who are far from You, wake them up before it is too late. Let them hear Moses and the prophets. Let them hear Jesus Christ. Let them hear the Gospel. Let them repent and believe.
Thank You that Jesus died for sinners. Thank You that He rose from the dead. Thank You that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Lord Jesus, we come to You. Save us, cleanse us, forgive us, and make us ready for eternity.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Main Texts: Revelation 17–18
Father God,
We come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. Open our eyes to understand Your Word. Give us wisdom to discern the spirit of Babylon in the world around us and even in our own hearts. Keep us from pride, greed, idolatry, sexual immorality, spiritual compromise, false religion, and love of the world.
Lord Jesus, You are the King of kings and Lord of lords. Teach us to follow You, not the world system. Teach us to come out from Babylon and belong fully to the Kingdom of God.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
When the Bible speaks of Babylon, it speaks of more than one ancient empire.
Babylon was a real city.
Babylon was a real kingdom.
Babylon conquered Jerusalem.
Babylon destroyed the temple.
Babylon carried God’s people into exile.
But in the Bible, Babylon also becomes a symbol of something much bigger.
Babylon represents mankind’s rebellion against God.
Babylon represents pride.
Babylon represents false worship.
Babylon represents wealth without righteousness.
Babylon represents luxury without mercy.
Babylon represents political power joined to spiritual corruption.
Babylon represents the world system that seduces people away from God.
A definition of Babylon is "the mixing of the Christian true God's word with other religions "
The whole world becomes Babylon when a "One World Religion" is set up.
In Revelation, she is called:
“And on her forehead a name was written, ‘MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.’”
That is strong language.
Babylon is not presented as a small error. She is called “the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth.”
So this sermon is not only about ancient history. It is about the spiritual system that has been fighting against God from Genesis to Revelation.
And God’s command to His people is clear:
“I heard another voice from heaven, saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, that you have no participation in her sins, and that you don’t receive of her plagues.’”
“Come out of her, my people.”
That is the call of this sermon.
The spirit of Babylon begins early in the Bible, at the tower of Babel.
“The whole earth was of one language and of one speech.
As they traveled east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they lived there.
They said to one another, ‘Come, let’s make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.’ They had brick for stone, and they used tar for mortar.
They said, ‘Come, let’s build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top reaches to the sky, and let’s make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad on the surface of the whole earth.’
Yahweh came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men built.
Yahweh said, ‘Behold, they are one people, and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do. Now nothing will be withheld from them, which they intend to do.
Come, let’s go down, and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.’
So Yahweh scattered them abroad from there on the surface of all the earth. They stopped building the city.
Therefore its name was called Babel, because there Yahweh confused the language of all the earth. From there, Yahweh scattered them abroad on the surface of all the earth.”
Notice what they said:
“Let’s make a name for ourselves.”
That is the spirit of Babylon.
Not “Let God’s name be holy.”
Not “Let God’s Kingdom come.”
Not “Let God’s will be done.”
But:
“Let us make a name for ourselves.”
Babylon begins with pride.
It is man building upward without obedience.
It is man reaching heaven without repentance.
It is man seeking unity without God.
It is man seeking greatness without holiness.
It is man building a city for his own glory.
This is the opposite of the prayer Jesus taught:
“Pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’”
Babel says, “Let us make our name great.”
Jesus says, “May Your name be kept holy.”
Babel says, “Let us build our kingdom.”
Jesus says, “Let Your Kingdom come.”
Babylon is the kingdom of man in rebellion.
The Kingdom of God is the reign of God through Jesus Christ.
Before Babel, Genesis mentions Nimrod.
“Cush became the father of Nimrod. He began to be a mighty one in the earth.
He was a mighty hunter before Yahweh. Therefore it is said, ‘like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before Yahweh.’
The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.”
The beginning of Nimrod’s kingdom was Babel.
From early in Scripture, Babel is connected with human kingdom-building.
This matters because Revelation later shows Babylon as a powerful system connected to kings, nations, merchants, and spiritual corruption.
Babylon is not only false worship.
Babylon is false worship mixed with power.
Babylon is greed mixed with religion.
Babylon is pride mixed with empire.
Babylon is pleasure mixed with persecution.
That is why we must discern it.
Babylon was not only symbolic. It was a real empire that God used to judge Judah because of sin, idolatry, injustice, and rebellion.
The Bible records the fall of Jerusalem.
“Now in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which was the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem.
He burned Yahweh’s house, the king’s house, and all the houses of Jerusalem. He burned every great house with fire.
All the army of the Chaldeans who were with the captain of the guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem.
Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive the rest of the people who were left in the city…”
Babylon burned the temple.
Babylon broke the walls.
Babylon carried the people away captive.
This became one of the great traumas of Israel’s history.
Psalm 137 remembers the grief of exile.
“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
On the willows in that land, we hung up our harps.
For there, those who led us captive asked us for songs. Those who tormented us demanded songs of joy: ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’
How can we sing Yahweh’s song in a foreign land?”
Babylon is the place where God’s people wept.
Babylon is the place of exile.
Babylon is the place where the songs of Zion were mocked.
Babylon is the place where holy things were despised.
But even in Babylon, God preserved His people.
Daniel was in Babylon.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were in Babylon.
God did not abandon His faithful servants, even in the middle of an ungodly empire.
Daniel shows us how to live in Babylon without becoming Babylon.
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank. Therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”
Daniel was taken into Babylon.
He was educated in Babylon.
He served in Babylon.
But he purposed in his heart not to defile himself.
That is a message for believers today.
You may have to live in a world system that does not honour God.
You may work among unbelievers.
You may do business in a corrupt culture.
You may be surrounded by pride, lust, greed, idolatry, and deception.
But like Daniel, you must purpose in your heart:
“I will not defile myself.”
Daniel’s friends faced the pressure to worship an image.
“Then the herald cried aloud, ‘To you it is commanded, peoples, nations, and languages,
that whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, you fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up.
Whoever doesn’t fall down and worship shall be cast into the middle of a burning fiery furnace the same hour.’”
Babylon demands worship.
The image was political.
The image was religious.
The image was public.
The image was enforced by threat.
But Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused.
“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, ‘Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.
If it happens, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.
But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.’”
That is faithfulness in Babylon.
“Our God is able to deliver us. But if not, we will not bow.”
The spirit of Babylon says, “Bow or burn.”
The faithful believer says, “Even if I burn, I will not bow.”
Nebuchadnezzar himself shows the pride of Babylon.
“At the end of twelve months he was walking in the royal palace of Babylon.
The king spoke and said, ‘Isn’t this great Babylon, which I have built for the royal dwelling place, by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?’
While the word was in the king’s mouth, a voice came from the sky, saying, ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you.
You shall be driven from men; and your dwelling shall be with the animals of the field. You shall be made to eat grass as oxen. Seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever he will.’”
Listen to his words:
“Great Babylon, which I have built.”
“By the might of my power.”
“For the glory of my majesty.”
That is Babylon.
My city.
My power.
My glory.
My majesty.
But God humbled him.
“At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me. Then I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him who lives forever; for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom from generation to generation.
All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he does according to his will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and no one can stop his hand, or ask him, ‘What are you doing?’”
Nebuchadnezzar had to learn that God rules over kings.
Babylon says, “Man rules.”
Heaven says, “The Most High rules.”
Babylon says, “My kingdom is forever.”
God says, “Your kingdom is temporary.”
Babylon says, “Look at what I built.”
God says, “Everything you have came from Me.”
God judged historical Babylon.
“Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldeans’ pride, will be like when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.
It will never be inhabited, neither will it be lived in from generation to generation. The Arabian will not pitch a tent there, neither will shepherds make their flocks lie down there.
But wild animals of the desert will lie there, and their houses will be full of jackals. Ostriches will dwell there, and wild goats will frolic there.
Wolves will cry in their castles, and jackals in the pleasant palaces. Her time is near to come, and her days will not be prolonged.”
Babylon was called “the glory of kingdoms.”
But God said it would fall.
Human glory cannot stand against God’s judgment.
Isaiah 47 speaks against Babylon like a proud woman.
“You said, ‘I will be a princess forever,’ so that you didn’t lay these things to your heart, nor did you remember the latter end of it.
Now therefore hear this, you who are given to pleasures, who sit securely, who say in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one else besides me. I won’t sit as a widow, neither will I know the loss of children.’
But these two things will come to you in a moment in one day: the loss of children and widowhood. They will come on you in their full measure, because of the multitude of your sorceries and the great abundance of your enchantments.
For you have trusted in your wickedness. You have said, ‘No one sees me.’ Your wisdom and your knowledge has perverted you. You have said in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one else besides me.’
Therefore disaster will come on you. You won’t know when it dawns. Mischief will fall on you. You won’t be able to put it away. Desolation will come on you suddenly, which you don’t understand.”
Babylon says:
“I will be a princess forever.”
“I am, and there is no one else besides me.”
“No one sees me.”
That is spiritual pride.
That is self-deification.
Babylon acts like God.
But God says disaster will come suddenly.
Jeremiah also prophesied against Babylon.
“‘Behold, I am against you, you proud one,’ says the Lord, Yahweh of Armies; ‘for your day has come, the time that I will visit you.
The proud one will stumble and fall, and no one will raise him up. I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it will devour all who are around him.’”
God says, “I am against you, you proud one.”
That is the heart of Babylon: pride.
Jeremiah 51 gives another strong warning.
“Flee out of the middle of Babylon! Everyone save his own life! Don’t be cut off in her iniquity, for it is the time of Yahweh’s vengeance. He will render to her a recompense.
Babylon has been a golden cup in Yahweh’s hand, who made all the earth drunk. The nations have drunk of her wine; therefore the nations have gone mad.
Babylon has suddenly fallen and been destroyed! Wail for her! Take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.”
Babylon made the nations drunk.
This is important, because Revelation uses similar language.
Babylon intoxicates the nations.
Not only with alcohol, but spiritually.
She makes nations drunk with greed, lust, idolatry, power, luxury, false worship, bloodshed, and rebellion.
Jeremiah continues:
“My people, go away from the middle of her, and each of you save yourselves from Yahweh’s fierce anger.”
Again the call is:
“Go away from the middle of her.”
This prepares us for Revelation’s command:
“Come out of her, my people.”
Now we come to Revelation.
John sees Babylon as a woman sitting on a beast.
“One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, ‘Come here. I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who sits on many waters,
with whom the kings of the earth committed sexual immorality. Those who dwell in the earth were made drunken with the wine of her sexual immorality.’
He carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet-colored beast, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns.
The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of the sexual immorality of the earth.
And on her forehead a name was written, ‘MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.’
I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw her, I wondered with great amazement.”
Here we see several things about Babylon the Great.
She is a prostitute.
She sits on many waters.
The kings of the earth commit immorality with her.
The inhabitants of the earth are made drunk with her wine.
She is dressed in luxury.
She holds a golden cup full of abominations.
She is drunk with the blood of the saints.
Babylon is seductive.
She looks rich.
She looks powerful.
She looks beautiful.
She looks successful.
She looks influential.
But her cup is full of abominations.
That is how sin works.
It looks golden on the outside, but it is poison inside.
Proverbs warns about seductive sin.
“For the lips of an adulteress drip honey. Her mouth is smoother than oil,
but in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, and as sharp as a two-edged sword.
Her feet go down to death. Her steps lead straight to Sheol.”
Babylon is spiritually seductive.
She offers pleasure, wealth, status, power, and acceptance.
But her steps lead to death.
Revelation explains the waters.
“He said to me, ‘The waters which you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages.’”
Babylon has global influence.
She sits over peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages.
This means Babylon is not small. It is a world system.
She influences culture.
She influences politics.
She influences commerce.
She influences religion.
She influences entertainment.
She influences values.
She influences what people desire.
That is why believers need discernment.
The world system is not neutral.
The apostle John said:
“Don’t love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love isn’t in him.
For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—isn’t the Father’s, but is the world’s.
The world is passing away with its lusts, but he who does God’s will remains forever.”
Babylon is full of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.
But the world is passing away.
Only the one who does God’s will remains forever.
Revelation says:
“I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.”
Babylon does not only seduce. Babylon persecutes.
When seduction fails, persecution follows.
The system that offers pleasure will eventually hate those who refuse to bow.
Jesus warned His disciples:
“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you.
If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his lord.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.”
The world loves its own.
But those who belong to Jesus are no longer of the world.
Paul said:
“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”
Babylon hates holiness.
Babylon hates truth.
Babylon hates the testimony of Jesus.
That is why Revelation speaks of martyrs.
“They overcame him because of the Lamb’s blood, and because of the word of their testimony. They didn’t love their life, even to death.”
The saints overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.
They do not love their lives even unto death.
That is the opposite of Babylon.
Babylon says, “Save your life at any cost.”
Jesus says, “Lose your life for My sake, and you will find it.”
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it.
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?’”
Babylon offers the whole world.
Jesus asks:
“What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?”
Revelation 18 shows Babylon as a centre of wealth, trade, luxury, and greed.
“He cried with a mighty voice, saying, ‘Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, and she has become a habitation of demons, a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean bird, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird!
For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her sexual immorality. The kings of the earth committed sexual immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from the abundance of her luxury.’”
The merchants grew rich from the abundance of her luxury.
Babylon is not only religious corruption.
Babylon is also economic corruption.
Babylon sells desire.
Babylon profits from sin.
Babylon turns human souls into merchandise.
Later in the chapter, the merchants weep over Babylon’s fall.
“The merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore:
merchandise of gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet, all expensive wood, every vessel of ivory, every vessel made of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble;
and cinnamon, incense, perfume, frankincense, wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat, sheep, horses, chariots, and people’s bodies and souls.”
That last phrase is chilling:
“People’s bodies and souls.”
Babylon traffics in human life.
It turns people into products.
It values profit over souls.
It values luxury over righteousness.
It values trade over truth.
It values image over holiness.
This is why Jesus warned:
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon.”
Mammon is not just money. It is money as a master.
Babylon serves Mammon.
The Kingdom of God serves the Lord.
Paul warned:
“But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation, a snare, and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
The love of money leads many away from faith.
Babylon is built on the love of money.
Revelation echoes Isaiah’s prophecy.
“However much she glorified herself, and grew wanton, so much give her of torment and mourning. For she says in her heart, ‘I sit a queen, and am no widow, and will in no way see mourning.’
Therefore in one day her plagues will come: death, mourning, and famine; and she will be utterly burned with fire; for the Lord God who has judged her is strong.”
Babylon glorifies herself.
That is the spirit of the whole system.
Self-glory.
Self-exaltation.
Self-worship.
Self-security.
She says:
“I sit as queen.”
“I am no widow.”
“I will never see mourning.”
But God says judgment will come in one day.
This is the deception of Babylon: she believes she cannot fall.
But the Bible says:
“Pride goes before destruction, and a arrogant spirit before a fall.”
Babylon is proud.
Therefore Babylon must fall.
Now we come to one of the most important verses.
“I heard another voice from heaven, saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, that you have no participation in her sins, and that you don’t receive of her plagues,
for her sins have reached to the sky, and God has remembered her iniquities.’”
God says, “Come out of her, my people.”
That means God has people who must separate from Babylon.
This is not only physical separation. It is spiritual separation.
Come out of her values.
Come out of her sins.
Come out of her pride.
Come out of her idolatry.
Come out of her greed.
Come out of her sexual immorality.
Come out of her false religion.
Come out of her love of luxury.
Come out of her persecution of truth.
Come out of her intoxication.
Paul gives a similar command:
“Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship do righteousness and iniquity have? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?
What agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or what portion does a believer have with an unbeliever?
What agreement has a temple of God with idols? For you are a temple of the living God. Even as God said, ‘I will dwell in them and walk in them. I will be their God, and they will be my people.’
Therefore “‘Come out from among them, and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Touch no unclean thing. I will receive you.
I will be to you a Father. You will be to me sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty.”
Come out and be separate.
This does not mean Christians become hateful or isolate themselves from everyone. Jesus ate with sinners. We are called to preach the Gospel to the world.
But we are not to become one with the world’s sins.
Jesus prayed:
“I pray not that you would take them from the world, but that you would keep them from the evil one.
They are not of the world even as I am not of the world.
Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth.”
We are in the world, but not of the world.
We are sent into the world, but not to be shaped by the world.
Revelation repeats the fall of Babylon.
“The kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality and lived wantonly with her will weep and wail over her when they look at the smoke of her burning,
standing far away for the fear of her torment, saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For your judgment has come in one hour.’”
In one hour.
Babylon looked strong.
Babylon looked permanent.
Babylon looked untouchable.
But her judgment came in one hour.
This is the warning: worldly systems can collapse suddenly.
The things people trust in can vanish quickly.
Money can disappear.
Power can change hands.
Luxury can burn.
Empires can fall.
Markets can crash.
Beauty can fade.
Health can fail.
Life can end.
Only God’s Kingdom cannot be shaken.
“His voice shook the earth then, but now he has promised, saying, ‘Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heavens.’
This phrase, ‘Yet once more,’ signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, that those things which are not shaken may remain.
Therefore, receiving a Kingdom that can’t be shaken, let’s have grace, through which we serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe,
for our God is a consuming fire.”
Babylon can be shaken.
God’s Kingdom cannot be shaken.
So where is your trust?
Revelation says:
“Rejoice over her, O heaven, you saints, apostles, and prophets, for God has judged your judgment on her.”
That may sound strange to modern ears.
Why would heaven rejoice?
Because Babylon oppressed the saints.
Babylon deceived the nations.
Babylon corrupted the earth.
Babylon shed innocent blood.
Babylon hated God.
Babylon promoted abominations.
Heaven rejoices because God’s justice is finally revealed.
Then Revelation says:
“After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, ‘Hallelujah! Salvation, power, and glory belong to our God;
for his judgments are true and righteous. For he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality, and he has avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.’
A second said, ‘Hallelujah! Her smoke goes up forever and ever.’”
God’s judgments are true and righteous.
This is important.
The fall of Babylon is not God losing control. It is God revealing justice.
Babylon may seem to win for a season.
The wicked may prosper.
The righteous may suffer.
The saints may be persecuted.
The truth may be mocked.
The world may celebrate sin.
But God sees.
God remembers.
God judges.
“This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.”
Every hidden thing will be judged.
Babylon’s sins reached to heaven.
God remembered her iniquities.
Revelation gives us a powerful contrast.
Babylon is the prostitute.
But the church, redeemed by Christ, is the bride.
After Babylon falls, Revelation shows the marriage supper of the Lamb.
“I heard something like the voice of a great multitude, and like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of mighty thunders, saying, ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns!
Let’s rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and let’s give the glory to him. For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready.’
It was given to her that she would array herself in bright, pure, fine linen; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
He said to me, ‘Write, “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb.”’ He said to me, ‘These are true words of God.’”
There are two women in Revelation:
Babylon the prostitute.
The bride of the Lamb.
Babylon is clothed in purple, scarlet, gold, jewels, and pearls, but full of abominations.
The bride is clothed in bright, pure, fine linen.
Babylon is drunk with the blood of the saints.
The bride is washed by the blood of the Lamb.
Babylon seduces the nations.
The bride belongs to Christ.
Babylon falls.
The bride enters glory.
Paul says of the church:
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it;
that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word,
that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without defect.”
Jesus gave Himself for His bride.
Babylon uses people.
Jesus dies for His people.
Babylon corrupts.
Jesus cleanses.
Babylon intoxicates.
Jesus sanctifies.
Babylon is judged.
The bride is made holy.
The Bible begins with man building Babel.
It ends with God bringing down the New Jerusalem.
“I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth have passed away, and the sea is no more.
I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.
I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, ‘Behold, God’s dwelling is with people; and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore. The first things have passed away.’”
Babel was man trying to reach heaven.
New Jerusalem is God bringing heaven to His people.
Babel was built for man’s name.
New Jerusalem is filled with God’s glory.
Babel ended in confusion.
New Jerusalem is eternal peace.
Babylon is the city of rebellion.
New Jerusalem is the city of God.
“I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God, the Almighty, and the Lamb are its temple.
The city has no need for the sun or moon to shine, for the very glory of God illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
The nations will walk in its light. The kings of the earth bring the glory and honor of the nations into it.
Its gates will in no way be shut by day, for there will be no night there.
They shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it.
There will in no way enter into it anything profane, or one who causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
Nothing profane enters.
No abomination.
No lie.
No corruption.
No Babylon.
Only those written in the Lamb’s book of life.
We do not escape Babylon by our own strength.
We escape by Jesus Christ.
All of us have been touched by Babylon in some way.
Pride.
Greed.
Lust.
Idolatry.
Self-glory.
Love of the world.
Fear of man.
False worship.
Compromise.
The Bible says:
“For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.”
We need more than information.
We need salvation.
Jesus came to rescue sinners from this present evil age.
“Grace to you and peace from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ,
who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.”
Jesus gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from this present evil age.
That includes deliverance from Babylon.
The cross is God’s rescue mission.
Jesus died for sinners.
Jesus took the judgment we deserved.
Jesus rose from the dead.
Jesus calls people out of darkness into light.
“He delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love,
in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins.”
That is salvation.
Out of darkness.
Into the Kingdom of the Son.
Redeemed.
Forgiven.
Peter says:
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
In the past, you were not a people, but now are God’s people, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
Beloved, I beg you as foreigners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.”
We are foreigners and pilgrims.
Babylon is not our home.
Our citizenship is in heaven.
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory…”
The Christian lives in the world, but belongs to heaven.
We must be careful not to reduce Babylon to only one nation, one city, one institution, or one political party. The spirit of Babylon can appear wherever human pride, idolatry, greed, seduction, persecution, and rebellion against God operate.
Babylon is seen when people say:
“Let us make a name for ourselves.”
Babylon is seen when money becomes god.
Babylon is seen when luxury matters more than righteousness.
Babylon is seen when human bodies and souls are treated as merchandise.
Babylon is seen when false religion joins worldly power.
Babylon is seen when sexual immorality is celebrated and holiness is mocked.
Babylon is seen when truth is silenced and prophets are persecuted.
Babylon is seen when people believe they are untouchable.
Babylon is seen when a society says, “No one sees me.”
But God sees.
“There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.”
All things are open before God.
“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’
Be subject therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Lament, mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to gloom.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you.”
Babylon is proud.
The people of God must be humble.
“He said to them, ‘Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man’s life doesn’t consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses.’”
Your life is not your possessions.
“Flee sexual immorality! Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.
Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,
for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Babylon says, “Your body is yours.”
Scripture says, “You were bought with a price.”
“I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
You shall have no other gods before me.”
The people of God must worship the Lord alone.
“Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.
Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.”
Do not be conformed to this world.
Be transformed.
“Here is the perseverance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”
The saints persevere.
They keep God’s commandments and faith in Jesus.
Revelation 17 says the enemies of God make war against the Lamb.
“These will war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings. Those who are with him are called chosen, and faithful.”
This is the victory.
The Lamb will overcome.
Not Babylon.
Not the beast.
Not the kings of the earth.
Not the merchants.
Not the false prophets.
Not the persecutors.
The Lamb will overcome.
Jesus is called:
Lord of lords.
King of kings.
And those with Him are:
Called.
Chosen.
Faithful.
That is who we must be.
Not drunk with Babylon.
Not seduced by Babylon.
Not compromised with Babylon.
Not marked by Babylon.
But called, chosen, and faithful to Jesus Christ.
The call is urgent.
“Come out of her, my people, that you have no participation in her sins, and that you don’t receive of her plagues.”
Do not participate in her sins.
Do not receive her plagues.
If Babylon is judged, then those joined to Babylon are in danger.
This is why we preach repentance.
“The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now he commands that all people everywhere should repent,
because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he has ordained; of which he has given assurance to all men, in that he has raised him from the dead.”
God commands all people everywhere to repent.
Judgment is coming.
Jesus is risen.
The world will be judged in righteousness.
So come out of Babylon.
Come to Christ.
Come out of pride.
Come to humility.
Come out of greed.
Come to contentment.
Come out of lust.
Come to holiness.
Come out of false worship.
Come to the true God.
Come out of spiritual confusion.
Come to the truth.
Come out of darkness.
Come to the light.
Come out of the city that falls.
Come to the Kingdom that cannot be shaken.
Babylon began at Babel with man saying, “Let us make a name for ourselves.”
Babylon grew into an empire that oppressed God’s people.
Babylon became a symbol of pride, idolatry, greed, luxury, seduction, persecution, and rebellion.
Revelation shows Babylon the Great as a corrupt world system drunk with sin and drunk with the blood of the saints.
But Babylon falls.
Her wealth cannot save her.
Her kings cannot save her.
Her merchants cannot save her.
Her luxury cannot save her.
Her sorceries cannot save her.
Her pride cannot save her.
God judges Babylon.
The Lamb overcomes.
The bride is made ready.
The New Jerusalem comes down.
So the message is clear:
Do not belong to Babylon.
Belong to Jesus Christ.
“If it seems evil to you to serve Yahweh, choose today whom you will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.”
Choose today.
Babylon or Christ.
The world or the Kingdom.
The prostitute or the Bride.
The city that falls or the city of God.
The beast or the Lamb.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Father God,
Thank You for warning us about Babylon the Great. Thank You for showing us that the world system of pride, greed, idolatry, luxury, false worship, and persecution will not last forever.
Lord, help us hear Your command: “Come out of her, My people.”
Search our hearts. Remove Babylon from us. Remove pride, greed, lust, compromise, fear of man, and love of the world.
Lord Jesus, You are the Lamb who overcomes. You are King of kings and Lord of lords. Keep us faithful to You. Make us part of Your pure bride, clothed in righteousness, washed by Your blood, and ready for Your return.
Holy Spirit, give us discernment. Help us live in the world without becoming of the world. Help us preach truth, endure persecution, and refuse to bow to idols.
Thank You that Babylon falls, but Your Kingdom remains forever.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Main Text: 2 Corinthians 5:10
Father God,
We come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. Open our eyes to the seriousness of eternity. Help us understand that although we are saved by grace through faith, our lives still matter before You. Teach us to live faithfully, humbly, truthfully, and fruitfully.
Lord Jesus, You are Saviour, Lord, Judge, and King. Prepare us for the day when we stand before You. Let our works be tested and found pleasing. Let our motives be purified. Let our hearts be fixed on Your glory.
Holy Spirit, convict us, strengthen us, and lead us into truth.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
The apostle Paul says:
“For we must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”
This is the main verse for today.
“We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ.”
Paul is writing to believers. He is writing to the church. He is not speaking only about unbelievers.
He says we must all appear.
That means every Christian will stand before Jesus Christ.
Pastors will stand there.
Evangelists will stand there.
Church members will stand there.
Worship leaders will stand there.
Bible teachers will stand there.
Mothers and fathers will stand there.
Business people will stand there.
The rich and the poor will stand there.
The known and the unknown will stand there.
Every believer will stand before Christ.
This judgment is not to decide whether a true believer goes to heaven or hell. The believer’s salvation is secured by the blood of Jesus Christ.
The Bible says:
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
And Jesus said:
“Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.”
The believer has passed out of death into life.
So the Judgment Seat of Christ is not the same as the Great White Throne judgment in Revelation 20. The Great White Throne concerns the final judgment of the dead who are not found written in the book of life.
“I saw a great white throne and him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. There was found no place for them.
I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and they opened books. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works.
The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. They were judged, each one according to his works.
Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.
If anyone was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.”
That is the judgment of the lost.
But the Judgment Seat of Christ is for believers. It is a judgment of service, faithfulness, motives, works, stewardship, and reward.
The believer is not judged to see whether Christ’s blood was enough. Christ’s blood is enough.
The believer is judged to reveal what was done with the life Christ gave.
We must be very clear.
We are not saved by works.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
not of works, that no one would boast.”
Salvation is a gift.
You cannot earn it.
You cannot buy it.
You cannot deserve it.
You cannot work your way into heaven.
We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
But the very next verse says:
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.”
We are not saved by good works.
But we are saved for good works.
This is very important.
Good works are not the root of salvation.
Good works are the fruit of salvation.
A tree is not alive because it has fruit.
A tree has fruit because it is alive.
In the same way, a Christian is not saved because of works. A Christian produces works because Christ has given them life.
James says:
“Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself.”
True faith produces action.
True faith loves.
True faith obeys.
True faith serves.
True faith repents.
True faith forgives.
True faith gives.
True faith endures.
True faith bears fruit.
Jesus said:
“I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
A branch connected to Christ bears fruit.
The Judgment Seat of Christ will reveal what kind of fruit our lives produced.
Paul gives one of the clearest teachings about the Judgment Seat of Christ in 1 Corinthians 3.
“According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But let each man be careful how he builds on it.
For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
There is only one foundation: Jesus Christ.
Not church tradition.
Not human wisdom.
Not personality.
Not money.
Not ministry success.
Not religious performance.
Not emotional experience.
Jesus Christ is the foundation.
If a person does not have Christ, they do not have salvation.
“The testimony is this: that God gave to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
He who has the Son has the life. He who doesn’t have God’s Son doesn’t have the life.”
The Judgment Seat of Christ is for those who are already built on the foundation of Jesus Christ.
The question there is not, “Did you lay another foundation?”
The question is, “How did you build on the foundation?”
Paul says:
“But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or stubble,
each man’s work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort of work each man’s work is.
If any man’s work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward.
If any man’s work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire.”
This passage is very serious.
There are two kinds of building materials.
Gold, silver, costly stones.
And wood, hay, stubble.
Gold, silver, and costly stones survive fire.
Wood, hay, and stubble burn.
This means some things we do in life will last into eternity, and some things will burn away.
Some preaching will last.
Some giving will last.
Some acts of mercy will last.
Some prayers will last.
Some hidden obedience will last.
Some sacrifices will last.
Some tears shed for Christ will last.
Some faithful service no one noticed will last.
But other things will burn.
Self-glory will burn.
Religious pride will burn.
Ministry done for applause will burn.
Giving done to be seen will burn.
Preaching done for fame will burn.
Works done without love will burn.
Christian activity done in the flesh will burn.
Empty words will burn.
Human boasting will burn.
Paul says if the work remains, the person will receive a reward.
If the work burns, the person will suffer loss.
But notice carefully:
“He himself will be saved, but as through fire.”
This is not the loss of salvation. It is the loss of reward.
The believer is saved by Christ.
But the believer’s works are tested by fire.
Paul says:
“Each man’s work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort of work each man’s work is.”
“The Day will declare it.”
There is coming a day when things hidden now will be revealed.
On earth, people can misunderstand us.
Sometimes people praise what God does not praise.
Sometimes people ignore what God values.
Sometimes people honour outward success while God sees inward corruption.
Sometimes people despise faithful servants while heaven records their obedience.
But the Day will declare it.
Jesus said:
“But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known.
Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light. What you have spoken in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.”
Everything hidden will be revealed.
Paul also said:
“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each man will get his praise from God.”
This verse tells us two things Christ will reveal:
The hidden things of darkness.
The counsels, or motives, of the hearts.
God does not only judge what we did.
He judges why we did it.
Two people may do the same outward act, but with different hearts.
One gives to honour God.
Another gives to be admired.
One preaches because Christ is worthy.
Another preaches to build a name.
One serves because they love the sheep.
Another serves because they want position.
One prays because they seek God.
Another prays to sound spiritual.
The Judgment Seat of Christ will reveal motives.
Jesus spoke directly about motives in the Sermon on the Mount.
“Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.”
Notice the phrase:
“You have no reward.”
That connects directly to the Judgment Seat of Christ.
Jesus continues:
“Therefore when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.
But when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does,
so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
The hypocrites receive their reward from men.
But if you serve in secret, your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
This is very important.
Some people want their reward now.
They want applause now.
They want recognition now.
They want honour now.
They want people to see now.
They want their name known now.
But Jesus teaches us to live for the Father’s reward.
The Father sees in secret.
He sees the prayer no one heard.
He sees the gift no one knew about.
He sees the forgiveness that cost you.
He sees the obedience when no one clapped.
He sees the tears.
He sees the sacrifice.
He sees the temptation you resisted.
He sees the suffering you endured quietly.
He sees the service done only for Him.
Jesus then says the same about prayer:
“When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward.
But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
And about fasting:
“Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.
But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
The question is not only, “Did you give?”
The question is, “Why did you give?”
Not only, “Did you pray?”
But, “Why did you pray?”
Not only, “Did you fast?”
But, “Were you seeking God or seeking attention?”
The Judgment Seat of Christ will reveal the heart.
Paul says in Romans:
“But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
For it is written, ‘As I live,’ says the Lord, ‘to me every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess to God.’
So then each one of us will give account of himself to God.”
Each one of us will give account of himself to God.
That means I will not answer for you, and you will not answer for me.
A husband will not answer for his wife’s obedience.
A wife will not answer for her husband’s obedience.
A pastor will give account for his ministry, but every hearer will also give account for how they responded.
Parents will give account for how they raised their children, but children will also give account for their own choices when accountable before God.
You cannot hide in a crowd at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
Each one will give account.
This should make us humble.
It should also make us careful about judging others wrongly.
Romans 14 is dealing with believers judging and despising one another over disputable matters. Paul reminds them:
You will stand before Christ.
So do not live as if you are the final judge of your brother.
Christ is the Judge.
Jesus said:
“I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Every idle word.
That should make us tremble.
Words matter.
Gossip matters.
Lies matter.
Slander matters.
Cruel speech matters.
Manipulative speech matters.
False teaching matters.
Empty promises matter.
Words spoken in anger matter.
Words spoken in secret matter.
Words posted online matter.
Words whispered behind someone’s back matter.
The Bible says:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit.”
The tongue has power.
James says:
“So the tongue is also a little member, and boasts great things. See how a small fire can spread to a large forest!
And the tongue is a fire. The world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by Gehenna.
For every kind of animal, bird, creeping thing, and thing in the sea is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind.
But nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in the image of God.
Out of the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”
At the Judgment Seat of Christ, our words will be weighed.
Did our words build up or tear down?
Did we speak truth or lies?
Did we confess Christ or deny Him by silence?
Did we encourage the weak or crush them?
Did we use our mouth for worship and then curse people made in God’s image?
Paul says:
“Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
Our words should give grace to those who hear.
This is especially serious for anyone who teaches the Word of God.
James says:
“Let not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment.”
Teachers receive stricter judgment.
Why?
Because teachers influence souls.
A false word can mislead people.
A careless doctrine can wound people.
A prideful teacher can corrupt people.
A greedy preacher can exploit people.
A lazy shepherd can leave sheep unfed.
A fearful preacher can avoid truth to stay popular.
Paul warned Timothy:
“I command you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom:
preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching.
For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts;
and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn away to fables.
But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry.”
Paul says this command is before Christ, who will judge the living and the dead.
Therefore, preach the Word.
Not opinions.
Not entertainment.
Not people-pleasing.
Not flattery.
Not fear.
Not false prophecy.
Not worldly wisdom.
Preach the Word.
Peter also tells elders:
“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, not for dishonest gain, but willingly;
not as lording it over those entrusted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock.
When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn’t fade away.”
Pastors are under-shepherds.
Jesus is the Chief Shepherd.
When He appears, faithful shepherds receive the crown of glory.
But that also means unfaithful shepherds will answer to Him.
Paul says:
“So let a man think of us as Christ’s servants and stewards of God’s mysteries.
Here, moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”
A steward manages what belongs to another.
Your life is not your own.
Your body belongs to God.
Your gifts belong to God.
Your time belongs to God.
Your money belongs to God.
Your opportunities belong to God.
Your ministry belongs to God.
Your family responsibilities are from God.
Your influence belongs to God.
The question for a steward is not, “Was I famous?”
The question is, “Was I faithful?”
Jesus told the parable of the talents.
“For it is like a man going into another country, who called his own servants and entrusted his goods to them.
To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his own ability. Then he went on his journey.
Immediately he who received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.
In the same way, he also who got the two gained another two.
But he who received the one talent went away and dug in the earth and hid his lord’s money.
Now after a long time the lord of those servants came, and settled accounts with them.
He who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents. Behold, I have gained another five talents besides them.’
His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
He also who got the two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents. Behold, I have gained another two talents besides them.’
His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
He also who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you didn’t sow, and gathering where you didn’t scatter.
I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, you have what is yours.’
But his lord answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I didn’t sow, and gather where I didn’t scatter.
You ought therefore to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back my own with interest.
Take away therefore the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents.
For to everyone who has will be given, and he will have abundance, but from him who doesn’t have, even that which he has will be taken away.
Throw out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”
This parable shows accountability.
The master returns.
The servants give account.
The faithful hear:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
That is what every believer should want to hear from Jesus.
Not, “You were famous.”
Not, “You impressed people.”
Not, “You built a platform.”
Not, “You had many followers.”
But:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
In the parable, one servant received five talents, another two, another one.
God does not give the same assignment to every person.
Some have more public ministries.
Some serve quietly.
Some have many resources.
Some have few.
Some have large influence.
Some influence only a handful of people.
Some are called to preach.
Some are called to pray.
Some are called to give.
Some are called to care for children.
Some are called to suffer faithfully.
Some are called to serve in hidden places.
Christ will judge faithfully.
He knows what He gave you.
Jesus said:
“That servant, who knew his lord’s will and didn’t prepare nor do what he wanted, will be beaten with many stripes,
but he who didn’t know and did things worthy of stripes will be beaten with few stripes. To whoever much is given, of him will much be required; and to whom much was entrusted, of him more will be asked.”
To whom much is given, much will be required.
This is a warning.
More knowledge means more responsibility.
More opportunity means more accountability.
More gifting means more stewardship.
More influence means more carefulness.
A person who knows the Word of God cannot say, “I did not know.”
A person who has heard the Gospel many times cannot pretend they were never warned.
A person who has been given spiritual gifts cannot bury them in fear, laziness, pride, or distraction.
Some Christians feel uncomfortable talking about rewards, but Jesus and the apostles spoke about them.
Jesus said:
“Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
There is reward for enduring persecution for Christ.
Jesus said:
“He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me.
He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. He who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward.
Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward.”
Even a cup of cold water given in Jesus’ name will not lose its reward.
That is beautiful.
God sees small acts.
The world may not notice.
But heaven notices.
Paul said:
“And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Whatever you do, do it for the Lord.
Cleaning.
Working.
Parenting.
Serving.
Preaching.
Helping.
Giving.
Encouraging.
Visiting.
Forgiving.
Praying.
Do it for Christ.
From the Lord you will receive the reward.
The New Testament speaks of crowns.
These crowns represent reward, honour, victory, and faithfulness before God.
Paul said:
“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.
From now on, the crown of righteousness is stored up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.”
The crown of righteousness is for those who love Christ’s appearing.
They are not in love with this present world.
They are waiting for Jesus.
James says:
“Blessed is a person who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him.”
There is a crown of life for those who endure temptation.
Revelation also says:
“Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Be faithful unto death.
Christ will give the crown of life.
Peter says to faithful shepherds:
“When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn’t fade away.”
This is for faithful shepherding under Christ.
Paul says:
“Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win.
Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.
I therefore run like that, not aimlessly. I fight like that, not beating the air,
but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.”
Paul lived with discipline because he understood eternal reward.
The athlete trains for a fading crown.
The Christian lives for an imperishable crown.
The Judgment Seat of Christ: Saved by Grace, Judged for Faithfulness PART 2
The Bible warns that reward can be lost.
John says:
“Watch yourselves, that we don’t lose the things which we have accomplished, but that we receive a full reward.”
Watch yourselves.
There is such a thing as a full reward.
There is also such a thing as losing reward.
Jesus said to the church in Philadelphia:
“I am coming quickly! Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown.”
Hold firmly.
Do not let anyone take your crown.
How can reward be lost?
Through compromise.
Through pride.
Through false doctrine.
Through quitting.
Through fear of man.
Through bitterness.
Through unforgiveness.
Through laziness.
Through using gifts for self-glory.
Through turning from truth.
Through loving the world.
Paul said:
“Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season if we don’t give up.”
Do not grow weary in doing good.
You will reap if you do not give up.
After Paul says we must appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ, he says:
“Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are revealed to God, and I hope that we are revealed also in your consciences.”
“Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord…”
The Judgment Seat of Christ should produce the fear of the Lord.
Not terror like a condemned criminal, but reverent seriousness.
God is not mocked.
Christ is not fooled.
The Judge sees everything.
The fear of the Lord keeps us sober.
“The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
And:
“This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.”
God will bring every work into judgment.
Every hidden thing.
This should change how we live.
It should change how we speak.
It should change how we serve.
It should change how we spend money.
It should change how we use time.
It should change how we treat people.
It should change what we do in secret.
It should change what we call success.
The Judgment Seat of Christ is not only about fear. It is also about love.
Paul continues:
“For the love of Christ constrains us; because we judge thus, that one died for all, therefore all died.
He died for all, that those who live should no longer live to themselves, but to him who for their sakes died and rose again.”
The love of Christ compels us.
Jesus died for us, so we no longer live for ourselves.
This is the heart of the Christian life.
I do not belong to myself anymore.
Jesus bought me.
“Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,
for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
You are not your own.
You were bought with a price.
Therefore glorify God.
The Judgment Seat of Christ will ask:
Did you live for yourself, or did you live for the One who died and rose again for you?
John gives a serious warning to believers.
“Now, little children, remain in him, that when he appears, we may have boldness and not be ashamed before him at his coming.”
There is such a thing as being ashamed before Him at His coming.
Not condemned, but ashamed.
Ashamed of wasted time.
Ashamed of secret compromise.
Ashamed of neglected calling.
Ashamed of selfish motives.
Ashamed of cowardice.
Ashamed of bitterness.
Ashamed of worldliness.
Ashamed of opportunities ignored.
But there is also boldness.
How do we have boldness?
Remain in Him.
Abide in Christ.
Jesus said:
“Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me.
I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
If a man doesn’t remain in me, he is thrown out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you.
In this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so you will be my disciples.”
Fruit comes from abiding.
We cannot produce eternal fruit in our own strength.
We need prayer.
We need the Word.
We need obedience.
We need the Spirit.
We need repentance.
We need closeness with Christ.
Apart from Him, we can do nothing.
A person can do impressive religious works and still lack love.
Paul says:
“If I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but don’t have love, I have become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don’t have love, I am nothing.
If I give away all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don’t have love, it profits me nothing.”
That is astonishing.
A person can speak powerfully, but without love it is noise.
A person can have knowledge and faith, but without love they are nothing.
A person can give everything away, but without love it profits nothing.
This means at the Judgment Seat of Christ, love matters.
Did we love God?
Did we love our neighbour?
Did we love the brethren?
Did we love the truth?
Did we love the lost enough to speak the Gospel?
Did we love our enemies enough to forgive and pray?
Jesus said:
“Jesus said to him, ‘“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
This is the first and great commandment.
A second likewise is this, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.’”
Love for God and neighbour is not optional.
Works without love are empty.
Some people think only big ministries matter. But Jesus taught that small things matter.
“He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. He who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”
Faithfulness in little things matters to God.
Small obedience matters.
A cup of cold water matters.
A prayer in secret matters.
A kind word matters.
A hidden sacrifice matters.
A small act of mercy matters.
A temptation resisted matters.
A truthful answer matters.
A day of honest work matters.
A quiet act of service matters.
The world celebrates big platforms.
God rewards faithfulness.
Jesus said:
“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’”
Faithful over a few things.
Do not despise small assignments.
God sees.
Paul says:
“Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men…”
Because Paul understood judgment, he persuaded people.
The reality of judgment should make us evangelistic.
If hell is real, we must warn.
If Christ is the only Saviour, we must preach.
If people will stand before God, we must speak.
If the Gospel saves, we must share it.
Paul says:
“For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, because it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.”
The Gospel is the power of God for salvation.
And Jesus commanded:
“Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.
Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’”
The Judgment Seat of Christ should make us ask:
Did I obey the Great Commission?
Did I make disciples?
Did I pray for the lost?
Did I speak when the Spirit prompted me?
Did I support the work of the Gospel?
Did I hide my faith because I feared people?
Jesus said:
“For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man also will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
Do not be ashamed of Jesus.
Jesus taught that forgiveness matters deeply.
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
A Christian cannot treat unforgiveness as a small thing.
Paul says:
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice.
And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.”
At the Judgment Seat of Christ, bitterness will not look noble.
Revenge will not look righteous.
Unforgiveness will not look justified.
We will stand before the One who forgave us.
How can we receive mercy and refuse mercy to others?
This does not mean abuse is excused. It does not mean trust is automatic. It does not mean justice is wrong. But it does mean the believer must release vengeance to God.
“Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, ‘Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.’”
Peter says:
“But just as he who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all of your behavior;
because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’
If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man’s work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in reverent fear.”
God judges according to each person’s work.
Therefore, live in reverent fear.
Holiness matters.
The Judgment Seat of Christ should make us serious about sin.
Not because we are trying to earn salvation, but because we belong to a holy God.
Paul says:
“Do this, knowing the time, that it is already time for you to awaken out of sleep, for salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed.
The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let’s therefore throw off the deeds of darkness, and let’s put on the armor of light.
Let’s walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy.
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts.”
Make no provision for the flesh.
The Judgment Seat of Christ should wake us up.
Some believers serve faithfully and are never recognised by people.
They clean.
They pray.
They visit.
They encourage.
They raise children in the Lord.
They care for elderly parents.
They give quietly.
They suffer silently.
They remain faithful in hard marriages.
They resist temptation when no one knows.
They labour in small churches.
They preach to few.
They obey without applause.
The Judgment Seat of Christ is good news for the unnoticed faithful.
God sees.
“For God is not unrighteous, so as to forget your work and the labor of love which you showed toward his name, in that you served the saints, and still do serve them.”
God is not unjust.
He will not forget your work and labour of love.
People may forget.
God will not.
Jesus said:
“Then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
The Father sees in secret.
So do not quit.
Do not measure your life by human applause.
Measure your life by faithfulness to Christ.
Many things that look successful now may not survive the fire.
A large crowd does not always mean faithful ministry.
A big name does not always mean heavenly reward.
Money does not always mean God is pleased.
Influence does not always mean fruit.
Jesus said:
“He said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts. For that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.’”
What men exalt may be abomination before God.
This should humble us.
God’s measurements are not always man’s measurements.
Man looks at size.
God looks at faithfulness.
Man looks at appearance.
God looks at the heart.
“But Yahweh said to Samuel, ‘Don’t look on his face, or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for Yahweh doesn’t see as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart.’”
At the Judgment Seat of Christ, God’s measurement will be final.
Jesus said:
“Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal;
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal;
for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Lay up treasures in heaven.
That is Judgment Seat living.
Ask yourself:
Will this matter in eternity?
Will this survive the fire?
Is this done for Christ?
Is this done in love?
Is this obedience?
Is this pride?
Is this flesh?
Is this gold, silver, costly stone?
Or is this wood, hay, and stubble?
Paul says:
“If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.
Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.
For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.”
Set your mind on things above.
Christ is coming.
Your life is hidden with Him.
You will be revealed with Him in glory.
“Examine your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Test your own selves. Or don’t you know about your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless indeed you are disqualified.”
Make sure you are truly in Christ.
The Judgment Seat of Christ is for believers. But no one should assume salvation without repentance and faith.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Do not hide sin.
Bring it to the light.
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
Your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Pray like David:
“Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.”
Ask God to search your heart.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
“Therefore don’t throw away your boldness, which has a great reward.
For you need endurance so that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise.”
Do not throw away your confidence.
It has great reward.
One day you will stand before Jesus Christ.
Not before your friends.
Not before your critics.
Not before your enemies.
Not before social media.
Not before a church committee.
Not before the government.
Not before your family.
Before Christ.
His eyes will be pure.
His judgment will be righteous.
His knowledge will be complete.
His reward will be perfect.
The question will not be:
Did everyone understand you?
The question will be:
Were you faithful?
Did you obey My Word?
Did you love Me?
Did you love others?
Did you use what I gave you?
Did you speak the truth?
Did you forgive?
Did you endure?
Did you serve for My glory?
Did you build with gold, silver, and costly stones?
Paul said:
“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.
From now on, the crown of righteousness is stored up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.”
May we be able to say the same:
I have fought the good fight.
I have finished the course.
I have kept the faith.
If you are not in Christ, the Judgment Seat of Christ is not your comfort. You need salvation.
The Bible says:
“For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.”
And:
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Jesus died for sinners.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness. You were healed by his wounds.”
Jesus rose from the dead.
“If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.’
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich to all who call on him.
For, ‘Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”
Call on Jesus.
Repent.
Believe.
Be saved.
Then live for the One who died and rose again for you.
The Judgment Seat of Christ is not the condemnation of believers.
It is the evaluation of believers.
Christ will test our works.
The fire will reveal what was eternal and what was empty.
Gold, silver, and costly stones will remain.
Wood, hay, and stubble will burn.
Some will receive reward.
Some will suffer loss, though saved as through fire.
Therefore:
Live for Christ.
Serve faithfully.
Love sincerely.
Speak truthfully.
Forgive freely.
Give secretly.
Pray honestly.
Endure patiently.
Build carefully.
Abide in Jesus.
One day, may we hear:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Father God,
Thank You for saving us by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Thank You that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
But Lord, help us remember that we will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Help us not waste our lives. Help us build with gold, silver, and costly stones. Burn away our pride, selfish ambition, laziness, fear, and false motives now, so that our works may remain on that Day.
Lord Jesus, we want to hear You say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Teach us to live for that day.
Holy Spirit, search our hearts. Convict us where we are wrong. Strengthen us where we are weak. Help us abide in Christ and bear fruit that lasts.
And for anyone who does not yet know Jesus, draw them to repentance and faith today.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Main Text: 1 Corinthians 15:12–26
Father God,
We come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. Open our hearts to understand the hope of the resurrection. Help us see that death is not the end for those who belong to Christ. Strengthen our faith, comfort the grieving, awaken the sleeping, and give us courage to live holy lives because Jesus has risen from the dead.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
The resurrection of the dead is not a small side teaching. It is central to the Christian faith.
If there is no resurrection, then death wins.
If there is no resurrection, then the grave has the final word.
If there is no resurrection, then our faith is empty.
If there is no resurrection, then preaching is useless.
If there is no resurrection, then Christians are still in their sins.
Paul says:
“Now if Christ is preached, that he has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?
But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither has Christ been raised.
If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith also is in vain.
Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we testified about God that he raised up Christ, whom he didn’t raise up if it is true that the dead are not raised.
For if the dead aren’t raised, neither has Christ been raised.
If Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins.
Then they also who are fallen asleep in Christ have perished.
If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most pitiable.”
Paul says if Christ has not been raised, our faith is vain.
That means Christianity is not merely a moral code.
It is not merely a philosophy.
It is not merely a way to feel better.
It is not merely church attendance or religious culture.
Christianity is founded on this historical and spiritual truth:
Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead.
And because He rose, those who belong to Him will also rise.
Paul does not leave us in doubt.
“But now Christ has been raised from the dead. He became the first fruits of those who are asleep.
For since death came by man, the resurrection of the dead also came by man.
For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.”
“But now Christ has been raised from the dead.”
That is the victory.
Death entered through Adam.
Life comes through Christ.
In Adam, all die.
In Christ, all will be made alive.
This takes us back to Genesis.
“By the sweat of your face will you eat bread until you return to the ground, for you were taken out of it. For you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
Because of sin, the body returns to dust.
But God’s plan does not end with dust.
The same God who formed Adam from the dust can raise the dead from the dust.
“Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”
The dead will awake.
Some to everlasting life.
Some to shame and everlasting contempt.
So the resurrection of the dead is not only a New Testament idea. It was already revealed in the Old Testament.
Job suffered terribly. He lost his children, his possessions, and his health. Yet in the middle of suffering, he spoke a powerful word of hope.
“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives.
In the end, he will stand upon the earth.
After my skin is destroyed,
then I will see God in my flesh,
whom I, even I, will see on my side.
My eyes will see, and not as a stranger.
My heart is consumed within me.”
Job said, “I know that my Redeemer lives.”
He believed that even after his body was destroyed, he would see God.
Not as a ghost without hope.
Not as a memory only.
But with resurrection hope.
“I will see God in my flesh.”
The resurrection of the dead means God does not abandon the body forever.
Death separates the soul from the body for a time, but resurrection means God raises the body and gives life.
One of the clearest teachings on resurrection comes when Lazarus died.
Martha was grieving. Her brother was dead. Jesus came to her, and He gave her not just comfort, but truth.
“Therefore Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you would have been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.
Even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.’
Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’
Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.’
Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies.
Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’
She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, God’s Son, he who comes into the world.’”
Jesus said:
“I am the resurrection and the life.”
He did not only say, “I can teach you about resurrection.”
He said, “I am the resurrection.”
He did not only say, “I can explain life.”
He said, “I am the life.”
Then Jesus asked Martha:
“Do you believe this?”
That is the question for every person today.
Do you believe Jesus is the resurrection and the life?
Do you believe death is not final for those who trust Him?
Do you believe He has power over the grave?
Then Jesus went to the tomb.
“Jesus therefore, again groaning in himself, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone lay against it.
Jesus said, ‘Take away the stone.’
Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to him, ‘Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.’
Jesus said to her, ‘Didn’t I tell you that if you believed, you would see God’s glory?’
So they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you listened to me.
I know that you always listen to me, but because of the multitude standing around I said this, that they may believe that you sent me.’
When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’
He who was dead came out, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Free him, and let him go.’”
Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb.
This was a sign.
If Jesus can call Lazarus out after four days, He can call all the dead out on the last day.
Jesus taught that a day is coming when all the dead will hear His voice.
“Most certainly I tell you, the hour comes, and now is, when the dead will hear the Son of God’s voice; and those who hear will live.
For as the Father has life in himself, even so he gave to the Son also to have life in himself.
He also gave him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.
Don’t marvel at this, for the hour comes in which all that are in the tombs will hear his voice,
and will come out; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment.”
All who are in the tombs will hear His voice.
The righteous and the wicked will rise.
There is a resurrection of life.
There is a resurrection of judgment.
This means death does not erase accountability.
A person does not escape God by dying.
Death is not the end of existence.
The Bible says:
“Inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once, and after this, judgment.”
After death comes judgment.
That is why we must be ready.
Paul calls Jesus the “firstfruits.”
“But now Christ has been raised from the dead. He became the first fruits of those who are asleep.
For since death came by man, the resurrection of the dead also came by man.
For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.
But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then those who are Christ’s at his coming.”
Firstfruits means the first part of the harvest.
When the firstfruits appeared, it guaranteed the rest of the harvest was coming.
Jesus’ resurrection is the guarantee that those who belong to Him will rise.
He rose first.
Then those who are Christ’s will rise at His coming.
So the Christian does not say merely, “I hope there may be life after death.”
The Christian says:
Christ has risen.
Christ is the firstfruits.
Christ has defeated death.
Christ will raise His people.
Paul gives great comfort to believers who grieve.
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
“Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
Paul does not say, “Confuse one another with these words.”
He does not say, “Argue endlessly about these words.”
He does not say, “Use these words to frighten the saints.”
He says:
“Encourage one another with these words.”
The resurrection of the dead is meant to comfort believers.
When a Christian dies, we grieve. But we do not grieve like the world.
We grieve with tears, but not without hope.
We grieve with pain, but not without promise.
We grieve because we miss them, but not because they are lost forever.
Paul says:
“The dead in Christ will rise first.”
That means believers who have died are not forgotten.
Their bodies may be in the grave.
Their names may be forgotten by the world.
Their families may still mourn them.
But Jesus has not forgotten them.
When the Lord returns, the dead in Christ will rise.
The grave will not hold them.
The dust will not keep them.
Death will not defeat them.
Jesus will call, and they will rise.
This is why the Christian can stand at a graveside and still say:
“This is not the end.”
Some people ask, “How are the dead raised? What kind of body will they have?”
Paul answers this in 1 Corinthians 15.
“But someone will say, ‘How are the dead raised?’ and, ‘With what kind of body do they come?’
You foolish one, that which you yourself sow is not made alive unless it dies.
That which you sow, you don’t sow the body that will be, but a bare grain, maybe of wheat, or of some other kind.
But God gives it a body even as it pleased him, and to each seed a body of its own.”
Paul compares death and resurrection to a seed.
A seed is put into the ground. It looks buried. It looks dead. But from that seed, God brings something new.
So the Christian body is buried in weakness, but raised in power.
Paul continues:
“So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown perishable; it is raised imperishable.
It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.
It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body and there is also a spiritual body.”
This is powerful.
The body is sown perishable, but raised imperishable.
That means the resurrection body will never decay.
It is sown in dishonour, but raised in glory.
That means sickness, shame, deformity, weakness, age, and the damage of sin will not have the final word.
It is sown in weakness, but raised in power.
That means the body that could grow tired, sick, broken, and dying will be raised strong by the power of God.
It is sown a natural body, but raised a spiritual body.
That does not mean unreal. It means a body fully transformed and empowered by God’s Spirit.
Jesus rose bodily from the grave. His tomb was empty. He ate with His disciples. They touched Him. He was not a ghost.
“As they said these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, ‘Peace be to you.’
But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
He said to them, ‘Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts?
See my hands and my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see, for a spirit doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you see that I have.’
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.
While they still didn’t believe for joy, and wondered, he said to them, ‘Do you have anything here to eat?’
They gave him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb.
He took them, and ate in front of them.”
Jesus rose with a real body.
A glorified body.
A victorious body.
And the Bible says believers will be made like Him.
The apostle John says:
“Beloved, now we are children of God, and it is not yet revealed what we will be; but we know that when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him just as he is.
Everyone who has this hope set on him purifies himself, even as he is pure.”
“We will be like Him.”
That does not mean we become God. It means we will be made like Christ in glory, holiness, purity, and resurrection life.
Paul says something similar:
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working by which he is able even to subject all things to himself.”
Jesus will change the body of our humiliation.
That is our present body under the effects of the fall.
A body that gets tired.
A body that gets sick.
A body that grows old.
A body that feels pain.
A body that eventually dies.
But Christ will transform it.
The body of humiliation will become a body of glory.
That is resurrection.
Not merely the soul floating somewhere.
Not merely a memory.
Not merely an idea.
Not reincarnation.
Not becoming an angel.
The Christian hope is resurrection.
The dead in Christ will rise.
Paul then explains that this mortal body must be changed.
“Now I say this, brothers, that flesh and blood can’t inherit God’s Kingdom; neither does the perishable inherit imperishable.
Behold, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed,
in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.
For this perishable body must become imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality.”
“We will all be changed.”
The dead in Christ will be raised incorruptible.
The living believers will be changed.
This perishable body must become imperishable.
This mortal body must put on immortality.
That means death is not the Christian’s final clothing. Immortality is.
Weakness is not our final condition. Glory is.
The grave is not our final address. The Kingdom is.
Paul continues:
“But when this perishable body has become imperishable, and this mortal has put on immortality, then what is written will happen: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’
‘Death, where is your sting? Hades, where is your victory?’
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
This is not saying death is not painful. Death is painful. Death separates loved ones. Death brings grief. Death is an enemy.
But death is a defeated enemy.
The sting of death is sin. Jesus dealt with sin at the cross.
The power of sin is the law. Jesus fulfilled the law and bore the curse.
Therefore, death has lost its final victory over those who belong to Christ.
The Christian can say:
“Death, where is your sting?”
“Hades, where is your victory?”
Not because we are strong in ourselves.
But because God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Earlier in the same chapter, Paul says:
“Then the end comes, when he will deliver up the Kingdom to God, even the Father, when he will have abolished all rule and all authority and power.
For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
The last enemy that will be abolished is death.”
The last enemy is death.
Death is not a friend. Death is an enemy.
Some people speak of death as natural, but biblically death entered through sin.
“Therefore as sin entered into the world through one man, and death through sin; so death passed to all men, because all sinned.”
Death entered through sin.
That is why death hurts.
That is why graves feel wrong.
That is why human beings weep when someone dies.
We were made for life with God, but sin brought death.
Yet Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil and defeat death.
“Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in the same way partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,
and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
Jesus entered death to defeat death.
He did not defeat death by avoiding it.
He defeated death by going through it and rising on the other side.
After teaching about the resurrection, Paul gives a practical command.
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
“Therefore.”
Because Christ is risen.
Because the dead will be raised.
Because death will be swallowed up in victory.
Because our bodies will be changed.
Because the last enemy will be destroyed.
Therefore:
Be steadfast.
Be immovable.
Always abound in the work of the Lord.
Why?
Because your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
The resurrection gives meaning to Christian service.
Every prayer matters.
Every act of mercy matters.
Every sermon preached in truth matters.
Every sacrifice for Christ matters.
Every temptation resisted matters.
Every moment of faithfulness matters.
Every tear shed in obedience matters.
If there is no resurrection, then eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.
But if Christ is risen, then live holy, serve faithfully, preach boldly, forgive freely, love deeply, and endure patiently.
Because your labour is not in vain.
Paul said:
“But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope.”
Notice again: Paul does not say Christians do not grieve.
We do grieve.
Jesus Himself wept.
“When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews weeping who came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,
and said, ‘Where have you laid him?’
They told him, ‘Lord, come and see.’
Jesus wept.
The Jews therefore said, ‘See how much affection he had for him!’”
Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus, even though He knew He was about to raise him.
That means tears are not unbelief.
Grief is not a lack of faith.
The Christian hope does not make us heartless.
It gives us strength inside grief.
We grieve because love misses the person.
We grieve because death is an enemy.
We grieve because separation hurts.
But we do not grieve like those who have no hope.
For the believer, death is not goodbye forever.
It is goodbye until resurrection.
While we wait for the resurrection of the body, Scripture also teaches that believers who die are with Christ.
Paul says:
“Therefore we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord;
for we walk by faith, not by sight.
We are courageous, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.”
“To be absent from the body” is “to be at home with the Lord.”
Paul also said:
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don’t know what I will choose.
But I am in a dilemma between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.”
To depart and be with Christ is far better.
So the believer’s hope has two parts:
When a believer dies, they are with Christ.
And when Christ returns, their body will be raised in glory.
The soul is safe with Jesus.
The body will be raised by Jesus.
That is full resurrection hope.
The resurrection of the dead is comfort for believers, but it is also a warning to those who reject God.
Jesus said:
“Don’t marvel at this, for the hour comes in which all that are in the tombs will hear his voice,
and will come out; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment.”
There is a resurrection of life.
There is also a resurrection of judgment.
Daniel said:
“Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”
This means all people will rise, but not all people will rise to the same destiny.
Some rise to everlasting life.
Some rise to judgment.
The question is not simply, “Will I live after death?”
The question is, “Will I be raised in Christ unto life, or raised outside of Christ unto judgment?”
Revelation speaks of the final judgment.
“I saw a great white throne and him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. There was found no place for them.
I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and they opened books. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works.
The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. They were judged, each one according to his works.
Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.
If anyone was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.”
That is serious.
Death does not end accountability.
Everyone will stand before God.
This is why we need Jesus Christ.
Jesus said:
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.’”
Jesus is not one option among many.
He is the way.
He is the truth.
He is the life.
And He said:
“This is the will of my Father who sent me, that of all he has given to me I should lose nothing, but should raise him up at the last day.
This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Jesus says, “I will raise him up at the last day.”
That is the promise to everyone who believes in Him.
Again He says:
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up in the last day.”
And again:
“He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Jesus repeatedly promises resurrection to those who belong to Him.
The resurrection of the dead is not automatic comfort for everyone. It is comfort for those who are in Christ.
The Gospel is the good news that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead.
Paul summarises it clearly:
“Now I declare to you, brothers, the Good News which I preached to you, which also you received, in which you also stand,
by which also you are saved, if you hold firmly the word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
Christ died for our sins.
He was buried.
He was raised on the third day.
That is the Gospel.
We are sinners.
“For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.”
The wages of sin is death.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
But Jesus took our sin on the cross.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness. You were healed by his wounds.”
And God raised Him from the dead.
“If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.’
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich to all who call on him.
For, ‘Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”
Believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead.
Confess Jesus as Lord.
Call on His name.
You will be saved.
The Christian life is a life joined to Jesus in His death and resurrection.
Paul says:
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.
For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection.”
Baptism points to burial and resurrection.
Going down into the water pictures death and burial.
Coming up out of the water pictures resurrection and new life.
The Christian is not only waiting for resurrection later. We are called to walk in resurrection life now.
Paul says:
“If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.
Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.
For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.”
If we have been raised with Christ, we should seek the things above.
Resurrection hope should change how we live.
John says:
“Beloved, now we are children of God, and it is not yet revealed what we will be; but we know that when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him just as he is.
Everyone who has this hope set on him purifies himself, even as he is pure.”
Everyone who has this hope purifies himself.
That means resurrection hope should not make us careless. It should make us holy.
If we believe Jesus is coming, we should be ready.
If we believe our bodies will be raised, we should honour God with our bodies now.
Paul says:
“Now God raised up the Lord, and will also raise us up by his power.
Don’t you know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? May it never be!
Or don’t you know that he who is joined to a prostitute is one body? For, ‘The two,’ he says, ‘will become one flesh.’
But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit.
Flee sexual immorality! Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.
Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,
for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
God will raise our bodies.
Therefore, our bodies matter now.
Do not use the body for sin.
Use the body for God’s glory.
Paul suffered greatly for Christ, but resurrection hope kept him faithful.
“But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, ‘I believed, and therefore I spoke.’ We also believe, and therefore also we speak;
knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will present us with you.
For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
Therefore we don’t faint, but though our outward person is decaying, yet our inward person is renewed day by day.
For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory,
while we don’t look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Paul says the outward person is decaying.
That is true for all of us.
But the inward person is renewed day by day.
The suffering of this present time is temporary.
The glory to come is eternal.
This gives courage to the persecuted Christian.
This gives strength to the sick believer.
This gives hope to the grieving family.
This gives endurance to the weary servant.
The resurrection says:
Your suffering is not the end.
Your weakness is not the end.
Your tears are not the end.
Your grave is not the end.
Glory is coming.
The resurrection of the dead is not only about individual believers. God will also renew creation.
Paul says:
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us.
For the creation waits with eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.
For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but because of him who subjected it, in hope
that the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.
For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now.
Not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for adoption, the redemption of our body.”
We are waiting for the redemption of our body.
That is resurrection.
Creation groans.
We groan.
But groaning is not hopeless. It is like birth pains.
Something glorious is coming.
God will not abandon His creation to corruption forever.
He will raise His people.
He will make all things new.
“I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth have passed away, and the sea is no more.
I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.
I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, ‘Behold, God’s dwelling is with people; and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore. The first things have passed away.’
He who sits on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’”
“Behold, I am making all things new.”
That is the end of the story for the believer.
Not death.
New creation.
Not the grave.
Resurrection.
Not mourning forever.
God wiping away every tear.
Jesus said in Revelation:
“When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me, saying, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am the first and the last,
and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades.’”
Jesus has the keys of Death and Hades.
That means death does not hold the keys.
The devil does not hold the keys.
The grave does not hold the keys.
Jesus holds the keys.
He says:
“I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever.”
This is why Christians worship Jesus.
He is not a dead teacher.
He is the living Lord.
He is not merely a prophet of the past.
He is the risen King.
He is not trapped in history.
He is alive forevermore.
Return to Paul’s words:
“After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
“And so we will be with the Lord forever.”
That is the greatest part of resurrection hope.
Not only new bodies.
Not only reunion with believers.
Not only no more death.
Not only no more pain.
The greatest promise is:
We will be with the Lord forever.
Jesus prayed:
“Father, I desire that they also whom you have given me be with me where I am, that they may see my glory, which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world.”
Jesus wants His people with Him.
That is heaven.
That is resurrection hope.
To see His glory.
To be with Him forever.
The resurrection of the dead asks every person a serious question:
Are you in Christ?
Because only in Christ is resurrection unto life.
Jesus said:
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies.
Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’”
“Do you believe this?”
That is the question.
Not merely, “Do you believe in religion?”
Not merely, “Do you believe there is a God?”
Not merely, “Do you believe in life after death?”
Do you believe Jesus is the resurrection and the life?
Have you repented of sin?
Have you trusted in His death and resurrection?
Have you confessed Him as Lord?
If you are in Christ, be encouraged.
The dead in Christ will rise.
Your body will be changed.
Death will be swallowed up in victory.
You will be with the Lord forever.
If you are not in Christ, come to Him today.
“He brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’
They said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.’”
Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Be saved.
Receive eternal life.
The resurrection of the dead is one of the great hopes of Christianity.
Jesus Christ died for our sins.
Jesus Christ was buried.
Jesus Christ rose from the dead.
Because He lives, those who belong to Him will live also.
The dead in Christ will rise first.
The living believers will be changed.
The perishable will put on imperishable.
The mortal will put on immortality.
Death will be swallowed up in victory.
We will be with the Lord forever.
Therefore, encourage one another with these words.
Father God,
Thank You for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thank You that death has been defeated. Thank You that the grave does not have the final word.
Lord Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life. We believe that You died and rose again. We believe that the dead in Christ will rise. We believe that You will change our lowly bodies to be like Your glorious body.
Comfort those who grieve. Strengthen those who suffer. Awaken those who are spiritually dead. Call sinners to repentance and faith.
Help us live in resurrection hope. Help us be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in Your work, knowing that our labour is not in vain.
Thank You that one day death will be no more. Thank You that we will be with You forever.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Main Texts: Genesis 15:6, Romans 3:21–28, Romans 4, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 3:6–14
Father God,
We come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. Open our hearts to understand the Gospel. Teach us what it means to be justified by faith. Remove pride, self-righteousness, religious boasting, and trust in human works. Help us see that salvation is Your gift, received by faith, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Lord Jesus, thank You for dying for sinners and rising from the dead. Holy Spirit, lead us into truth and give us living faith that produces obedience, love, and holiness.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
The most important question a person can ask is not, “How can I be successful?”
It is not, “How can I become rich?”
It is not, “How can I be liked by people?”
It is not even, “How can I live a long life?”
The greatest question is:
How can a guilty sinner be made right with a holy God?
The Bible says:
“For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.”
All have sinned.
Not some.
Not only the worst people.
Not only criminals.
Not only obvious sinners.
All.
The rich have sinned.
The poor have sinned.
The religious have sinned.
The unbelieving have sinned.
Preachers have sinned.
Church members have sinned.
Parents have sinned.
Children have sinned.
Every nation has sinned.
Every tribe has sinned.
Every tongue has sinned.
The Bible says:
“Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and doesn’t sin.”
And again:
“For we have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteousness is like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.”
Even our righteousness, apart from God’s grace, is polluted.
So the question is serious:
How can sinners be accepted by God?
How can the guilty be forgiven?
How can the ungodly be declared righteous?
How can a person stand before God without condemnation?
The answer of Scripture is:
Justification by faith.
Not by human boasting.
Not by religious pride.
Not by works of the law.
Not by circumcision.
Not by ethnic background.
Not by church tradition.
Not by personal goodness.
Not by self-improvement.
But by faith in the Lord.
To be justified means to be declared righteous before God.
It is a legal word. It speaks of the courtroom of heaven.
The sinner stands guilty.
The law exposes sin.
The conscience bears witness.
The holy God is Judge.
But through Jesus Christ, God declares the believing sinner righteous.
Not because the sinner has never sinned.
Not because the sinner has earned righteousness.
Not because the sinner has paid for his own guilt.
But because Jesus Christ died for sinners, bore their sin, shed His blood, and rose again.
Paul says:
“But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets;
even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction,
for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus;
whom God sent to be an atoning sacrifice, through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God’s forbearance;
to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time, that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.”
This passage is the heart of the Gospel.
“All have sinned.”
But believers are “justified freely by His grace.”
How?
“Through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
God is both just and the justifier.
That means God does not ignore sin. He deals with sin at the cross.
God does not sweep evil under the rug.
God does not pretend sin never happened.
God does not lower His holiness.
Instead, Jesus bears the judgment. Jesus pays the debt. Jesus gives His righteousness to those who believe.
Paul teaches justification by faith using Abraham.
Abraham lived long before Moses gave the law. He lived before Sinai. He lived before the commandments were given to Israel as a covenant. And yet Abraham was counted righteous before God.
The key verse is Genesis 15:6.
“After these things Yahweh’s word came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Don’t be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.’
Abram said, ‘Lord Yahweh, what will you give me, since I go childless, and he who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?’
Abram said, ‘Behold, you have given no children to me: and, behold, one born in my house is my heir.’
Behold, Yahweh’s word came to him, saying, ‘This man will not be your heir, but he who will come out of your own body will be your heir.’
Yahweh brought him outside, and said, ‘Look now toward the sky, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.’ He said to Abram, ‘So your offspring will be.’
He believed in Yahweh, who credited it to him for righteousness.”
“He believed in Yahweh, who credited it to him for righteousness.”
That is justification by faith.
Abraham believed God.
God counted it to him as righteousness.
Abraham was not justified because he had performed enough works to earn righteousness. He was not justified because he was sinless. He was justified because he believed the promise of God.
Paul takes this verse and builds his argument in Romans.
“What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather, has found according to the flesh?
For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not toward God.
For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’
Now to him who works, the reward is not counted as grace, but as something owed.
But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.”
This is powerful.
Paul says if Abraham was justified by works, he would have something to boast about.
But not before God.
Then Paul says something shocking:
God justifies the ungodly.
Not the proud.
Not the self-righteous.
Not the person who says, “I have no sin.”
Not the person who says, “God owes me heaven.”
God justifies the ungodly who believe.
That is grace.
The ungodly person cannot bring a perfect record to God. The ungodly person can only bring faith in God’s mercy.
Paul continues:
“Even as David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness apart from works,
‘Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man whom the Lord will by no means charge with sin.’”
Paul connects Abraham and David.
Abraham shows righteousness credited by faith.
David shows sins forgiven and not counted against the sinner.
Paul is quoting Psalm 32.
“Blessed is he whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man to whom Yahweh doesn’t impute iniquity, in whose spirit there is no deceit.
When I kept silence, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy on me. My strength was sapped in the heat of summer.
I acknowledged my sin to you. I didn’t hide my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to Yahweh,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.”
David knew what it was to sin.
David knew what it was to be guilty.
David knew what it was to feel the heavy hand of conviction.
But David also knew the blessing of forgiveness.
“Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not count sin.”
Justification means God counts righteousness to the believer, and He does not count their sin against them, because Christ has borne it.
This is not cheap forgiveness. This is blood-bought forgiveness.
Paul then makes another argument.
Abraham was counted righteous in Genesis 15. But circumcision came later in Genesis 17.
That means Abraham was justified by faith before he was circumcised.
“Is this blessing then pronounced on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.
How then was it counted? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
He received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they might be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might also be accounted to them.
He is the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had in uncircumcision.”
This is extremely important.
Circumcision was not the basis of Abraham’s justification.
It was a sign and seal.
Abraham was not justified because of the sign.
He received the sign because he had already been counted righteous by faith.
This matters because people often confuse signs with salvation.
A religious sign is not salvation.
A religious ceremony is not salvation.
A religious background is not salvation.
An outward identity is not salvation.
The heart must believe God.
Abraham becomes the father of all who believe.
That includes Jews who believe.
That includes Gentiles who believe.
That includes people from every nation who believe.
The promise is received by faith.
Paul continues:
“For the promise to Abraham and to his offspring that he should be heir of the world wasn’t through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of no effect.
For the law produces wrath, for where there is no law, neither is there disobedience.
For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, to the end that the promise may be sure to all the offspring, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.”
The promise is by faith so that it may be according to grace.
If salvation depended on our perfect law-keeping, no one would be saved.
The law exposes sin.
The law reveals God’s standard.
The law shows us we are guilty.
The law shuts every mouth.
Paul already said:
“Now we know that whatever things the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God.
Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight; for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.”
By works of the law, no flesh will be justified.
Why?
Because the law reveals sin.
The law is like a mirror. It shows the dirt, but it does not wash the face.
The law shows guilt, but Christ provides cleansing.
The law says, “You have sinned.”
Christ says, “Come to Me, and I will save you.”
Abraham’s faith was not weak imagination. It was trust in the God who gives life to the dead.
“As it is written, ‘I have made you a father of many nations.’ This is in the presence of him whom he believed: God, who gives life to the dead, and calls the things that are not, as though they were.
Against hope, Abraham in hope believed, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, ‘So will your offspring be.’
Without being weakened in faith, he didn’t consider his own body, already having been worn out, he being about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb.
Yet, looking to the promise of God, he didn’t waver through unbelief, but grew strong through faith, giving glory to God,
and being fully assured that what he had promised, he was also able to perform.
Therefore it also was ‘credited to him for righteousness.’”
Abraham believed the promise of God even when the circumstances looked impossible.
His body was as good as dead.
Sarah’s womb was dead.
The promise seemed impossible from a human perspective.
But Abraham believed that God gives life to the dead.
That is resurrection faith.
Justification by faith means trusting God’s promise, not trusting what we can see.
Abraham was fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised.
That is faith.
Faith is not faith in faith.
Faith is not positive thinking.
Faith is not pretending problems do not exist.
Faith is not trusting our emotions.
Faith is trusting God.
Faith says:
God is true.
God is faithful.
God can do what He promised.
God can save sinners.
God can raise the dead.
God can justify the ungodly through Jesus Christ.
Paul then applies Abraham’s justification to believers in Christ.
“Now it was not written that it was accounted to him for his sake alone,
but for our sake also, to whom it will be accounted, who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead,
who was delivered up for our trespasses, and was raised for our justification.”
This is the Gospel.
Jesus was delivered up for our trespasses.
That means He died because of our sins.
Jesus was raised for our justification.
That means His resurrection confirms that the sacrifice was accepted, the debt was paid, and righteousness is given to those who believe.
The cross and resurrection belong together.
If Jesus died but did not rise, our faith would be vain.
But He rose.
“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
Christ died for our sins.
Christ was buried.
Christ was raised.
That is the foundation of justification by faith.
Romans 5 begins with the result of justification.
“Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;
through whom we also have our access by faith into this grace in which we stand. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
“Being justified by faith, we have peace with God.”
This is not merely peace of mind, though it gives peace of mind.
This is peace with God.
Before justification, the sinner is under guilt.
Before justification, the sinner is alienated.
Before justification, the sinner is exposed to judgment.
But through Jesus Christ, the believer has peace with God.
The war is over.
The guilt is removed.
The sinner is reconciled.
Paul continues:
“For while we were yet weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
For one will hardly die for a righteous man. Yet perhaps for a righteous person someone would even dare to die.
But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we will be saved from God’s wrath through him.
For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we will be saved by his life.
Not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”
Christ died for the ungodly.
Christ died for sinners.
Christ died for enemies.
That is grace.
We are justified by His blood.
We are saved from wrath through Him.
This is why justification by faith is such good news.
God does not say, “Clean yourself up first, and then I may accept you.”
God says Christ died while we were still sinners.
The book of Galatians is Paul’s strong defence of the Gospel.
False teachers had come among the Galatian believers, teaching that faith in Christ was not enough and that Gentile believers needed to add the works of the law, especially circumcision, in order to be fully accepted.
Paul responds with great seriousness.
“I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different ‘good news,’
but there isn’t another ‘good news.’ Only there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the Good News of Christ.
But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any ‘good news’ other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed.
As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any ‘good news’ other than that which you received, let him be cursed.”
Paul does not treat this as a small disagreement.
He says a different gospel is no gospel.
Why?
Because if you change justification by faith, you corrupt the Gospel.
If you add human works as the basis of acceptance before God, you attack the sufficiency of Christ.
Paul says even if an angel from heaven preaches another gospel, let him be cursed.
That means no spiritual experience, no religious authority, no tradition, no preacher, no prophet, no church leader, and no angelic claim can override the Gospel of Christ.
Paul says clearly:
“We, being Jews by nature, and not Gentile sinners,
yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because no flesh will be justified by the works of the law.”
This verse says it again and again.
Not justified by works of the law.
Justified through faith in Jesus Christ.
We believed in Christ Jesus that we might be justified by faith in Christ.
No flesh will be justified by works of the law.
That is clear.
No flesh.
Not Jewish flesh.
Not Gentile flesh.
Not religious flesh.
Not moral flesh.
Not disciplined flesh.
Not educated flesh.
Not church-going flesh.
No flesh will be justified by works of the law.
Only through faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul continues with one of the most personal statements in Scripture.
“I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.
I don’t reject the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing!”
Paul says, “I have been crucified with Christ.”
Justification by faith does not produce a careless life.
It produces a crucified life.
The old self is crucified.
Christ lives in me.
The life I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God.
Then Paul says something very strong:
“If righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing.”
If we could be made righteous by law-keeping, then Jesus did not need to die.
But because we could not justify ourselves, Christ died.
The cross proves we could not save ourselves.
If human religion could save, Christ died for nothing.
If good works could justify, Christ died for nothing.
If circumcision could justify, Christ died for nothing.
If moral effort could justify, Christ died for nothing.
But Christ did not die for nothing.
He died because there was no other way.
Paul returns to Abraham again in Galatians 3.
“Foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you not to obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly portrayed among you as crucified?
I just want to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith?
Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now completed in the flesh?
Did you suffer so many things in vain, if it is indeed in vain?
He therefore who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith?”
Paul asks:
Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith?
The answer is faith.
They began in the Spirit. Now they were being tempted to continue in the flesh.
That is a danger for Christians.
Some begin by grace and then try to live by pride.
Some begin by faith and then try to boast in religious performance.
Some begin trusting Christ and then slowly start trusting themselves.
But Paul says that is foolish.
The Christian life begins by faith and continues by faith.
Then Paul says:
“Even so, Abraham ‘believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.’
Know therefore that those who are of faith are children of Abraham.
The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the Good News beforehand to Abraham, saying, ‘In you all the nations will be blessed.’
So then, those who are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham.”
Those who are of faith are children of Abraham.
Not those who merely have Abraham’s bloodline.
Not those who merely have outward religion.
Those who are of faith.
God preached the Gospel beforehand to Abraham:
“In you all the nations will be blessed.”
That promise points forward to Christ.
Through Jesus, the blessing of Abraham comes to the nations.
Paul explains why law-keeping cannot justify.
“For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse. For it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who doesn’t continue in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them.’
Now that no man is justified by the law before God is evident, for, ‘The righteous will live by faith.’
The law is not of faith, but, ‘The man who does them will live by them.’
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. For it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,’
that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
This is one of the most important passages in Galatians.
If you try to be justified by law, you must keep all of it.
Not some.
Not most.
All.
“Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things.”
That means one sin makes us guilty.
James says:
“For whoever keeps the whole law, and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.”
The law demands perfect obedience.
But we have not obeyed perfectly.
Therefore, the law exposes us as cursed.
But here is the Gospel:
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us.”
Jesus took the curse.
He hung on the tree.
He bore the judgment.
He redeemed us.
Why?
So that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus.
So that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
This is justification by faith.
Paul quotes a powerful Old Testament verse:
“Behold, his soul is puffed up. It is not upright in him, but the righteous will live by his faith.”
“The righteous will live by faith.”
Paul quotes this in Romans.
“For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, because it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.
For in it is revealed God’s righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, ‘But the righteous shall live by faith.’”
The Gospel reveals the righteousness of God.
From faith to faith.
The righteous shall live by faith.
This means faith is not only the doorway into salvation. Faith is the way the righteous live.
We begin by faith.
We continue by faith.
We stand by faith.
We obey by faith.
We suffer by faith.
We wait by faith.
We die by faith.
The Christian life is faith from beginning to end.
Paul then explains the purpose of the law.
“Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could make alive, most certainly righteousness would have been of the law.
But the Scripture imprisoned all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, confined for the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
So that the law has become our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
For you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus.”
The law is not evil.
The law is holy.
The law reveals sin.
The law shows God’s righteousness.
The law points us to Christ.
But the law cannot give life.
The law is like a tutor leading us to Christ.
It shows us our need.
It exposes our guilt.
It shuts our mouth.
It drives us to the Saviour.
Then Paul says:
“You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”
Not through law-keeping.
Through faith in Christ.
Justification by Faith: Abraham, Paul, Romans, and Galatians Part 2
Justification by faith destroys boasting.
Paul says:
“Where then is the boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.
We maintain therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”
Where is boasting?
Excluded.
No person in heaven will say:
“I saved myself.”
No person will say:
“My works justified me.”
No person will say:
“My religious background made me righteous.”
No person will say:
“God accepted me because I was better than others.”
Every redeemed person will say:
“Worthy is the Lamb.”
“They sang a new song, saying, ‘You are worthy to take the book and to open its seals, for you were killed, and bought us for God with your blood out of every tribe, language, people, and nation,
and made us kings and priests to our God, and we will reign on earth.’”
We are purchased by His blood.
That is why boasting is excluded.
The only boast of the Christian is Christ.
“But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
Boast only in the cross.
Some people hear “justified by faith” and wrongly think it means we can live however we want.
Paul already answered that.
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
May it never be! We who died to sin, how could we live in it any longer?
Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.”
Shall we continue in sin so grace may abound?
May it never be.
Grace does not give permission to sin.
Grace gives power to walk in newness of life.
Paul says:
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age;
looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.”
Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness.
So if someone uses grace to excuse sin, they have misunderstood grace.
The person justified by faith is also called to walk by the Spirit.
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
Justification is not lawlessness.
Justification leads to life in the Spirit.
Paul says:
“For we, through the Spirit, by faith wait for the hope of righteousness.
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision amounts to anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith working through love.”
“Faith working through love.”
This is important.
We are justified by faith alone, but true faith is never dead or fruitless.
True faith works through love.
Faith loves God.
Faith loves neighbour.
Faith obeys Christ.
Faith forgives.
Faith gives.
Faith serves.
Faith bears fruit.
This helps us understand James.
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith but has no works? Can faith save him?
And if a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food,
and one of you tells them, ‘Go in peace. Be warmed and filled,’ yet you didn’t give them the things the body needs, what good is it?
Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself.
Yes, a man will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith.”
James is not denying Paul.
Paul is fighting the idea that works can earn justification.
James is fighting the idea that dead, empty, fruitless “faith” is real saving faith.
Paul says we are not justified by works of the law.
James says real faith shows itself by works.
There is no contradiction.
Works do not create saving faith.
Works reveal living faith.
A dead tree has no fruit.
A living tree bears fruit.
Jesus said:
“Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit.
A good tree can’t produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit.
Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”
Justification by faith does not remove fruit.
It produces fruit.
Abraham was justified in Genesis 15 by faith.
Later, in Genesis 22, Abraham’s faith was tested when God told him to offer Isaac.
“After these things, God tested Abraham, and said to him, ‘Abraham!’
He said, ‘Here I am.’
He said, ‘Now take your son, your only son, whom you love, even Isaac, and go into the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I will tell you of.’”
This was a test.
Isaac was the son of promise.
But Abraham obeyed God, trusting that God could raise the dead.
“By faith, Abraham, being tested, offered up Isaac. Yes, he who had gladly received the promises was offering up his one and only son,
to whom it was said, ‘Your offspring will be accounted as from Isaac,’
concluding that God is able to raise up even from the dead. Figuratively speaking, he also did receive him back from the dead.”
Abraham’s obedience did not replace faith.
It revealed faith.
He trusted God so deeply that he believed God could raise Isaac from the dead.
James says:
“Wasn’t Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?
You see that faith worked with his works, and by works faith was perfected.
So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him as righteousness,’ and he was called the friend of God.”
Faith worked with his works.
Works completed, demonstrated, and fulfilled the reality of faith.
Saving faith is not empty words.
Saving faith trusts God and follows Him.
In Christ, we are no longer defined by condemnation.
Paul says:
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death.
For what the law couldn’t do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,
that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
No condemnation.
That is justification language.
The believer is not waiting to find out whether Christ’s sacrifice worked.
Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient.
The believer stands in grace.
“Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;
through whom we also have our access by faith into this grace in which we stand.”
We stand in grace.
Not in our perfect record.
Not in our emotional strength.
Not in our religious performance.
We stand in grace.
Those who are justified are brought into the family of God.
“For you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus.
For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring and heirs according to promise.”
Through faith in Christ Jesus, we are children of God.
If we belong to Christ, we are Abraham’s offspring.
Heirs according to promise.
This is incredible.
Gentiles are included.
The nations are included.
The outsider can come in.
The sinner can be forgiven.
The ungodly can be justified.
The stranger can become family.
Through Christ.
Paul also says:
“For you didn’t receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God;
and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him.”
Justification is not cold legal paperwork.
It brings us into peace, sonship, inheritance, and relationship with God.
If salvation depended on our works, we could never have assurance.
We would always ask:
Have I done enough?
Have I prayed enough?
Have I obeyed enough?
Have I suffered enough?
Have I repented enough?
Have I given enough?
But justification by faith gives assurance because salvation rests on Christ.
Jesus said:
“Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.”
The believer has eternal life.
The believer has passed from death into life.
Jesus also said:
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”
Jesus gives eternal life.
His sheep will never perish.
No one can snatch them from His hand.
That is assurance.
Not assurance in our flesh.
Assurance in Christ.
The greatest enemy of justification by faith is self-righteousness.
Jesus told a parable about this.
“He spoke also this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others.
‘Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector.
The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this: “God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men: extortioners, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.”
But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.’”
The Pharisee had religious works.
He fasted.
He tithed.
He compared himself with sinners.
He thanked God that he was not like other men.
But he was not justified.
The tax collector simply cried:
“God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”
Jesus said he went home justified.
Why?
Because he came by mercy, not merit.
The self-righteous person cannot receive grace because he thinks he does not need it.
But the humble sinner receives mercy.
Paul himself had a strong religious background.
“Though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I yet more:
circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;
concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.
However, what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.
Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ
and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.”
Paul had every reason to boast in religion.
Circumcised the eighth day.
Israelite.
Tribe of Benjamin.
Hebrew of Hebrews.
Pharisee.
Zealous.
Externally blameless.
But after meeting Christ, Paul counted all of that as loss.
Why?
So that he might be found in Christ.
Not having a righteousness of his own from the law.
But the righteousness from God through faith.
That is justification by faith.
The believer’s righteousness is not self-made.
It is received from God through faith in Christ.
Abraham believed God’s promise.
Christians believe God’s promise fulfilled in Jesus.
Abraham believed God would bring life from death through Sarah’s dead womb.
Christians believe God raised Jesus from the dead.
Abraham looked forward to the promise.
We look back to the cross and resurrection.
But the principle is the same:
The righteous shall live by faith.
“By faith, Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out to the place which he was to receive for an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he went.
By faith, he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a land not his own, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise.
For he looked for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
By faith, even Sarah herself received power to conceive, and she bore a child when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised.
Therefore as many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as innumerable as the sand which is by the sea shore, were fathered by one man, and him as good as dead.”
Abraham lived by faith.
He obeyed by faith.
He waited by faith.
He looked for the city whose builder and maker is God.
That is the life of faith.
Justification by faith does not create lazy believers.
It creates pilgrims who trust God’s promise.
The Christian does not stand before God wearing self-righteousness.
The Christian stands clothed in Christ.
Paul says:
“Because of him, you are in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,
that, as it is written, ‘He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.’”
Christ is our righteousness.
Christ is our sanctification.
Christ is our redemption.
Therefore, boast in the Lord.
Jeremiah prophesied:
“‘Behold, the days come,’ says Yahweh, ‘that I will raise to David a righteous Branch, and he will reign as king and deal wisely, and will execute justice and righteousness in the land.
In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely. This is his name by which he will be called: Yahweh our righteousness.’”
“Yahweh our righteousness.”
That is fulfilled in Christ.
He is our righteousness.
The heart of justification is sometimes called the great exchange.
Our sin was counted to Christ.
His righteousness is counted to us.
Paul says:
“For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Jesus knew no sin.
But He was made sin for us.
Not that He became sinful in His nature, but that He bore our sin as our substitute.
Why?
So that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
At the cross, Jesus took what we deserved.
Through faith, we receive what only He deserves.
He took condemnation.
We receive justification.
He took wrath.
We receive peace.
He took shame.
We receive sonship.
He took death.
We receive life.
That is grace.
Romans 5 says:
“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we will be saved from God’s wrath through him.”
We are justified by His blood.
Faith is not the price of salvation.
The blood of Jesus is the price.
Faith is the empty hand that receives the gift.
Peter says:
“Knowing that you were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from the useless way of life handed down from your fathers,
but with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish or spot, the blood of Christ.”
We were redeemed with precious blood.
Not silver.
Not gold.
Not human effort.
Not religious performance.
The precious blood of Christ.
Those justified by faith should live differently.
We do not obey to become justified.
We obey because we have been justified.
Paul says:
“Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.
Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.”
“Therefore.”
Because of the mercy of God, present your bodies as a living sacrifice.
Grace does not lead to carelessness.
Grace leads to worship.
Faith does not lead to rebellion.
Faith leads to surrender.
The message of justification by faith calls every person to stop trusting themselves.
Stop trusting your goodness.
Stop trusting your religious background.
Stop trusting your church attendance.
Stop trusting your family name.
Stop trusting your morality.
Stop trusting your knowledge.
Stop trusting your works.
Trust Christ.
Paul says:
“Brothers, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God is for Israel, that they may be saved.
For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
For being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they didn’t subject themselves to the righteousness of God.
For Christ is the fulfillment of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”
They had zeal for God.
But they sought to establish their own righteousness.
That is dangerous.
Religious zeal without submission to Christ cannot save.
Christ is the end, goal, and fulfilment of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
The Gospel call is simple and serious.
“He brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’
They said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.’”
Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Not merely believe facts about Him.
Trust Him.
Receive Him.
Confess Him as Lord.
Paul says:
“If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.’
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich to all who call on him.
For, ‘Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”
Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
That includes the Jew.
That includes the Gentile.
That includes the religious person who repents.
That includes the immoral person who repents.
That includes the broken.
That includes the proud if they humble themselves.
That includes anyone who comes to Christ by faith.
Justification by faith means God declares sinners righteous through faith in Jesus Christ.
Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.
Paul teaches in Romans that no flesh is justified by works of the law.
Paul teaches in Galatians that the blessing of Abraham comes to the nations through Christ.
The law exposes sin, but Christ saves sinners.
The law shows guilt, but Christ provides righteousness.
The law brings the knowledge of sin, but faith receives grace.
We are justified freely by grace.
We are justified by His blood.
We are justified by faith.
We are saved from wrath through Him.
This destroys boasting.
This gives peace with God.
This brings assurance.
This produces love, obedience, holiness, and fruit.
The righteous shall live by faith.
Do not stand before God in your own righteousness.
Come to Jesus.
Do not say, “I am better than others.”
Say, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”
Do not boast in works.
Boast in the cross.
Do not trust the flesh.
Trust Christ.
Do not try to establish your own righteousness.
Receive the righteousness of God through faith.
Jesus died for sins.
Jesus rose from the dead.
Jesus justifies the ungodly who believe.
“Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Peace with God is available.
Not through your perfection.
Through Jesus Christ.
Father God,
Thank You for the Gospel. Thank You that sinners can be justified by faith in Jesus Christ. Thank You that Abraham believed You, and it was counted to him for righteousness. Thank You that the promise has come to the nations through Christ.
Lord, forgive us for trusting ourselves. Forgive us for pride, self-righteousness, boasting, and religious performance without true faith. Teach us to boast only in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, that You were delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. Thank You for Your blood. Thank You for taking the curse. Thank You for becoming our righteousness.
Holy Spirit, give us living faith. Let our faith work through love. Let grace teach us to deny ungodliness and live holy lives. Let our obedience flow from gratitude, not pride.
For anyone still trying to earn salvation, open their eyes. Let them come to Jesus by faith and receive peace with God.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Main Texts: Exodus 25, 1 Samuel 4–6, 2 Samuel 6, Hebrews 9
Father God,
We come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. Open our eyes to understand Your Word. Teach us through the Ark of the Covenant about Your holiness, Your presence, Your judgment, Your mercy, and Your glory.
Lord, help us not to treat holy things casually. Help us not to use Your name for our own purposes. Help us come to You through the blood of Jesus Christ, our true High Priest and our true mercy seat.
Holy Spirit, lead us into truth. Let this message honour Jesus Christ.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
The Ark of the Covenant is one of the most serious and holy objects in the Old Testament.
It was not a lucky charm.
It was not a magic box.
It was not an idol to be worshipped.
It was not a religious decoration.
The Ark represented the holy presence of God among His covenant people.
It was placed in the Most Holy Place, behind the veil, inside the tabernacle. Later, it was placed inside the temple. It was connected with God’s covenant, God’s throne, God’s law, God’s mercy, God’s glory, and God’s judgment.
The Ark teaches us that God is near, but God is holy.
God desires to dwell with His people, but sinful people cannot approach Him carelessly.
That is one of the great lessons of the Ark:
God’s presence is a blessing, but God’s holiness is dangerous to the proud, the careless, and the disobedient.
The Ark was not man’s idea. It was commanded by God.
“Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show you, the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all of its furniture, even so you shall make it.”
God said, “Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”
That is the heart of the tabernacle.
God wanted to dwell among His people.
But notice: the people were not allowed to invent their own way of worship. God said they must build it according to the pattern He showed Moses.
That matters.
True worship is not based on human imagination.
True worship is not based on what feels impressive.
True worship is not based on what man thinks is spiritual.
True worship must be according to God’s Word.
Then God gave instructions for the Ark.
“They shall make an ark of acacia wood. Its length shall be two and a half cubits, and its width a cubit and a half, and a cubit and a half its height.
You shall overlay it with pure gold. You shall overlay it inside and outside, and you shall make a gold molding around it.
You shall cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in its four feet. Two rings shall be on one side of it, and two rings on the other side of it.
You shall make poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold.
You shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry the ark.
The poles shall be in the rings of the ark. They shall not be taken from it.
You shall put the covenant which I shall give you into the ark.”
The Ark was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold.
The wood speaks of something earthly.
The gold speaks of glory, purity, and majesty.
Inside the Ark was placed the covenant testimony — the tablets of the law.
The Ark was the Ark of the Covenant because it contained the testimony of God’s covenant with Israel.
God then commanded Moses to make the mercy seat.
“You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold. Its length shall be two and a half cubits, and its width a cubit and a half.
You shall make two cherubim of hammered gold. You shall make them at the two ends of the mercy seat.
Make one cherub at one end, and one cherub at the other end. You shall make the cherubim on its two ends of one piece with the mercy seat.
The cherubim shall spread out their wings upward, covering the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces toward one another. The faces of the cherubim shall be toward the mercy seat.
You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the covenant that I will give you.
There I will meet with you, and I will tell you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the covenant, all that I command you for the children of Israel.”
God said:
“There I will meet with you.”
That is powerful.
The Ark was connected to the place where God would meet with His people through Moses.
But notice where God said He would meet: above the mercy seat.
Inside the Ark was the law.
Above the Ark was the mercy seat.
The law shows guilt.
The mercy seat speaks of atonement.
The law reveals sin.
The mercy seat points to mercy through blood.
The law says man has fallen short.
The mercy seat says God provides a way.
This is important because once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place and sprinkle blood before and on the mercy seat.
“He shall take some of the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it with his finger on the mercy seat on the east; and before the mercy seat he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times.
Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering that is for the people, and bring its blood within the veil, and do with its blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat and before the mercy seat.
He shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions, even all their sins.”
The blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat because sinful people needed atonement before a holy God.
Without blood, the Ark would speak only of judgment, because the law inside condemned sin.
But with blood on the mercy seat, the Ark points to mercy.
The Ark was not placed in the courtyard where everyone could see it. It was placed in the Most Holy Place.
“You shall make a veil of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cherubim. It shall be the work of a skillful workman.
You shall hang it on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold; their hooks shall be of gold, on four sockets of silver.
You shall hang up the veil under the clasps, and shall bring the ark of the covenant in there within the veil. The veil shall separate the holy place from the most holy for you.
You shall put the mercy seat on the ark of the covenant in the most holy place.”
The veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
This taught Israel a serious truth:
God is holy.
Sinful man cannot casually enter God’s presence.
Access to God requires atonement.
Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year, and not without blood.
“Now these things having been thus prepared, the priests go in continually into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the services,
but into the second the high priest alone, once in the year, not without blood, which he offers for himself and for the errors of the people.”
Not without blood.
That phrase is central.
No sinner comes before God without blood.
In the Old Covenant, it was the blood of bulls and goats, pointing forward to something greater.
In the New Covenant, it is the blood of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews tells us what was connected with the Ark.
“After the second veil was the tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies,
having a golden altar of incense, and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which was a golden pot holding the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant;
and above it cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat, of which things we can’t speak now in detail.”
Inside the Ark were:
The tablets of the covenant.
The golden pot of manna.
Aaron’s rod that budded.
Each item teaches us something.
The tablets of the law remind us of God’s holiness and man’s guilt.
The manna reminds us of God’s provision in the wilderness.
Aaron’s rod that budded reminds us of God’s chosen priesthood and the danger of rebellion against His appointed order.
Let us look briefly at each.
The tablets contained the commandments of God.
“When he finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, he gave to Moses the two tablets of the covenant, stone tablets, written with God’s finger.”
The law was holy.
Paul says:
“Therefore the law indeed is holy, and the commandment holy, and righteous, and good.”
But the law also exposed Israel’s sin.
The tablets in the Ark remind us that God’s throne is not built on human opinion. God’s throne is established in righteousness.
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Loving kindness and truth go before your face.”
God is not a corrupt judge.
God is not casual about evil.
God is not morally weak.
God is holy.
God fed Israel in the wilderness with manna from heaven.
“Moses said, ‘This is the thing which Yahweh has commanded: “Let an omer-full of it be kept throughout your generations, that they may see the bread with which I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.”’
Moses said to Aaron, ‘Take a pot, and put an omer-full of manna in it, and lay it up before Yahweh, to be kept throughout your generations.’
As Yahweh commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.”
The manna in the Ark testified that God provided for His people.
When Israel had no bakery, no farms, no shops, no human supply, God fed them from heaven.
This points us to Jesus.
“Jesus therefore said to them, ‘Most certainly, I tell you, it wasn’t Moses who gave you the bread out of heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread out of heaven.
For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven and gives life to the world.’
They said therefore to him, ‘Lord, always give us this bread.’
Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will not be hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.’”
The manna sustained Israel temporarily.
Jesus gives eternal life.
Aaron’s rod was placed before the testimony after rebellion against God’s appointed priesthood.
“On the next day, Moses went into the Tent of the Testimony; and behold, Aaron’s rod for the house of Levi had budded, produced buds, bloomed blossoms, and bore ripe almonds.
Moses brought out all the rods from before Yahweh to all the children of Israel. They looked, and each man took his rod.
Yahweh said to Moses, ‘Put back the rod of Aaron before the covenant, to be kept for a token against the children of rebellion; that you may make an end of their murmurings against me, that they not die.’”
Aaron’s dead rod budded, blossomed, and bore fruit.
It was a sign that God chooses His priesthood.
It also points toward life from death.
A dead stick produced life because God commanded it.
This reminds us that access to God requires the priesthood God appoints, not the religious system man invents.
Ultimately, Jesus is our true High Priest.
“Having then a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let’s hold tightly to our confession.
For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.
Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.”
Through Jesus, we draw near to the throne of grace.
The Ark also went before Israel when they crossed the Jordan River.
“It shall come to pass, when the soles of the feet of the priests who bear Yahweh’s ark, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan will be cut off, even the waters that come down from above; and they will stand in one heap.’
When the people moved from their tents to pass over the Jordan, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant were before the people.
When those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in the edge of the water, for the Jordan overflows all its banks all the time of harvest,
the waters which came down from above stood and rose up in one heap, a great way off, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those that went down toward the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, were wholly cut off. Then the people passed over near Jericho.
The priests who bore Yahweh’s ark of the covenant stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the nation had passed completely over the Jordan.”
The Ark went before the people into the waters.
The priests stood firm, and Israel crossed on dry ground.
This teaches us that God’s presence leads His people into promise.
Israel did not cross by human strength alone. God made the way.
This points us again to Christ.
Jesus goes before His people.
He enters death and opens the way to life.
He enters judgment and brings us into promise.
The Ark was also central when Israel marched around Jericho.
“Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said to them, ‘Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before Yahweh’s ark.’
They said to the people, ‘Advance! March around the city, and let the armed men pass on before Yahweh’s ark.’
When Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams’ horns before Yahweh advanced and blew the trumpets; and the ark of Yahweh’s covenant followed them.”
The Ark was not a military weapon. It was the sign of God’s holy presence with His people.
The victory at Jericho came by obedience to God’s Word.
“So the people shouted, and the priests blew the trumpets. When the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted with a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.”
When God is with His people, walls fall.
But God’s presence cannot be manipulated. That becomes clear later in 1 Samuel.
In 1 Samuel 4, Israel was defeated by the Philistines. Instead of repenting and seeking God, they decided to bring the Ark into battle.
“The word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and encamped beside Ebenezer; and the Philistines encamped in Aphek.
The Philistines put themselves in array against Israel. When they joined battle, Israel was struck before the Philistines, and they killed about four thousand men of the army in the field.
When the people had come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, ‘Why has Yahweh struck us today before the Philistines? Let’s get the ark of Yahweh’s covenant out of Shiloh to us, that it may come among us and save us out of the hand of our enemies.’”
Listen carefully to their words:
“Let’s get the ark… that it may come among us and save us.”
They did not say, “Let us repent.”
They did not say, “Let us seek the Lord.”
They did not say, “Let us ask why God has allowed defeat.”
They did not say, “Let us cleanse ourselves from sin.”
They said, “Bring the Ark.”
They treated the Ark like a spiritual object they could use.
This is a serious warning.
It is possible to use religious things without truly seeking God.
People can use:
The Bible.
Church buildings.
Communion.
Baptism.
Christian music.
Religious titles.
The name of Jesus.
Prophetic language.
Prayer language.
But if the heart is not submitted to God, religious objects and language cannot save.
The Ark did not save Israel that day because they were not walking in obedience and reverence.
The Ark came into the camp, and the people shouted.
“So the people sent to Shiloh, and they brought from there the ark of the covenant of Yahweh of Armies, who sits above the cherubim; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of God.
When the ark of Yahweh’s covenant came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.”
They shouted, but shouting did not mean God was pleased.
Noise is not the same as holiness.
Excitement is not the same as repentance.
Religious energy is not the same as obedience.
The battle continued.
“The Philistines fought, and Israel was struck, and every man fled to his tent. There was a very great slaughter; for thirty thousand footmen of Israel fell.
God’s ark was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.”
This is a tragic moment.
The Ark was captured.
Israel was defeated.
Eli’s sons died.
Why?
Because God would not allow His holy presence to be used as a charm by a corrupt people.
Earlier, Eli’s sons were described as wicked.
“Now the sons of Eli were wicked men. They didn’t know Yahweh.”
They were priests, but they did not know the Lord.
That is terrifying.
A person can hold religious office and still not know God.
They abused sacrifices and sinned at the tabernacle.
“The sin of the young men was very great before Yahweh; for the men despised Yahweh’s offering.”
They despised the offering of the Lord.
So when they carried the Ark, their religious position did not protect them.
God is holy.
When the news came that the Ark had been captured, Eli fell and died. Then Phinehas’ wife gave birth and named the child Ichabod.
“She named the child Ichabod, saying, ‘The glory has departed from Israel,’ because God’s ark was taken, and because of her father-in-law and her husband.
She said, ‘The glory has departed from Israel; for God’s ark has been taken.’”
Ichabod means the glory has departed.
This is one of the saddest statements in Scripture.
A people can still have religious memory, but the glory can depart.
A place can still have ceremonies, but the glory can depart.
A priesthood can still function outwardly, but the glory can depart.
A church can still have music, preaching, programs, and buildings, yet lack the manifest presence of God.
The glory of God is not controlled by man.
God’s presence must be honoured.
The Philistines captured the Ark and placed it in the house of their god Dagon.
“Now the Philistines had taken God’s ark, and they brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.
The Philistines took God’s ark, and brought it into the house of Dagon and set it by Dagon.
When the people of Ashdod arose early on the next day, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before Yahweh’s ark. They took Dagon and set him in his place again.
When they arose early on the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before Yahweh’s ark; and Dagon’s head and both the palms of his hands were cut off on the threshold. Only Dagon’s torso was intact.”
This is powerful.
Israel failed to honour God.
But Dagon fell before God.
The Philistines thought they had captured Israel’s God. But God was not captured. God allowed the Ark to be taken as judgment on Israel, but He then judged the false god of the Philistines.
Dagon fell face down before the Ark.
Then Dagon’s head and hands were cut off.
The head speaks of authority.
The hands speak of power.
God was showing that idols have no true authority and no true power before Him.
This reminds us of Isaiah’s mockery of idols.
“To whom will you liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?
Some pour out gold from the bag, and weigh silver in the balance. They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god. They fall down—yes, they worship.
They bear it on their shoulder. They carry it, and set it in its place, and it stands there. It can’t move from its place. Yes, one may cry to it, yet it can not answer. It can’t save him out of his trouble.”
Idols must be carried.
But the living God carries His people.
Dagon had to be picked up and put back in place.
But Yahweh needs no one to lift Him up.
The Ark brought judgment among the Philistines.
“But Yahweh’s hand was heavy on the people of Ashdod, and he destroyed them and struck them with tumors, even Ashdod and its borders.
When the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, ‘The ark of the God of Israel shall not stay with us; for his hand is severe on us, and on Dagon our god.’”
God’s hand was heavy on them.
This again teaches us that God’s holy presence is not safe for the unrepentant.
The Ark was mercy for God’s covenant people when approached according to God’s way.
But the Ark was judgment among the Philistines and their false gods.
This same truth is seen in Christ.
Jesus is salvation to those who believe, but judgment to those who reject.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him.
He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.”
The same Jesus who saves believers is the One unbelievers reject to their own judgment.
After seven months, the Philistines wanted to send the Ark away.
“Yahweh’s ark was in the country of the Philistines seven months.
The Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, ‘What shall we do with Yahweh’s ark? Show us how we should send it to its place.’
They said, ‘If you send away the ark of the God of Israel, don’t send it empty; but by all means return him a trespass offering. Then you will be healed, and it will be known to you why his hand is not removed from you.’
Then they said, ‘What should be the trespass offering which we shall return to him?’
They said, ‘Five golden tumors and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines; for one plague was on you all, and on your lords.’”
Even pagan Philistines understood something: they had offended the God of Israel.
They sent a guilt offering.
This does not mean their worship was pure or saving, but it shows that God’s judgment had made them fear.
They said:
“Why then do you harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? When he had worked wonderfully among them, didn’t they let the people go, and they departed?”
Even the Philistines remembered what God did to Egypt.
They warned one another not to harden their hearts.
That is a message for us.
Do not harden your heart.
“While it is said, ‘Today if you will hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts, as in the rebellion.’”
When God warns, do not harden your heart
.
When the Ark returned to Israel, some men of Beth Shemesh treated it carelessly.
“He struck of the men of Beth Shemesh, because they had looked into Yahweh’s ark. He struck fifty thousand seventy men of the people. Then the people mourned, because Yahweh had struck the people with a great slaughter.
The men of Beth Shemesh said, ‘Who is able to stand before Yahweh, this holy God? To whom shall he go up from us?’”
They asked the right question:
“Who is able to stand before Yahweh, this holy God?”
That is the question the Ark forces us to ask.
Who can stand before a holy God?
Not the proud.
Not the careless.
Not the self-righteous.
Not the unclean.
Not the sinner without atonement.
The Bible says:
“Who may ascend to Yahweh’s hill? Who may stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood, and has not sworn deceitfully.”
Who can stand?
The one with clean hands and a pure heart.
But who among us has perfect clean hands and a perfectly pure heart in ourselves?
That is why we need Christ.
Years later, David wanted to bring the Ark to Jerusalem.
This was a good desire, but at first David did it the wrong way.
“David again gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand.
David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale Judah, to bring up from there God’s ark, which is called by the Name, even the name of Yahweh of Armies who sits above the cherubim.
They set God’s ark on a new cart, and brought it out of Abinadab’s house that was in the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart.
They brought it out of Abinadab’s house, which was in the hill, with God’s ark; and Ahio went before the ark.
David and all the house of Israel played before Yahweh with all kinds of instruments made of cypress wood, with harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, castanets, and cymbals.”
There was music.
There was joy.
There was a large gathering.
There was a new cart.
But there was a problem.
God had already commanded that the Ark be carried by the Levites using poles.
“When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, as the camp moves forward, after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to carry it; but they shall not touch the sanctuary, lest they die.”
They were not to touch the holy things.
The Ark was not to be transported however man thought best.
God’s instructions mattered.
Then tragedy happened.
“When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached for God’s ark and took hold of it, for the cattle stumbled.
Yahweh’s anger burned against Uzzah; and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by God’s ark.”
This is one of the most sobering passages in the Old Testament.
Uzzah reached out and touched the Ark.
Humanly speaking, it may seem like he was trying to help.
But God had commanded that the Ark not be touched.
The issue is not whether Uzzah seemed sincere.
The issue is whether God’s holiness was obeyed.
Sincerity does not make disobedience holy.
Good intentions do not cancel God’s commands.
Religious excitement does not excuse irreverence.
David reacted with fear.
“David was displeased because Yahweh had broken out against Uzzah; and he called that place Perez Uzzah to this day.
David was afraid of Yahweh that day; and he said, ‘How could Yahweh’s ark come to me?’”
David learned that God’s presence must be approached God’s way.
David eventually understood what had gone wrong.
In 1 Chronicles, David explains:
“He said to them, ‘You are the heads of the fathers’ households of the Levites. Sanctify yourselves, both you and your brothers, that you may bring up Yahweh’s ark, the God of Israel, to the place that I have prepared for it.
For because you didn’t carry it at first, Yahweh our God broke out against us, because we didn’t seek him according to the ordinance.’
So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up Yahweh’s ark, the God of Israel.
The children of the Levites bore God’s ark on their shoulders with its poles, as Moses commanded according to Yahweh’s word.”
David said the Lord broke out against them because they did not seek Him according to the ordinance.
That is the lesson.
We must seek God according to His Word.
Then the Ark was brought with reverence and worship.
“King David was told, ‘Yahweh has blessed the house of Obed-Edom, and all that belongs to him, because of God’s ark.’ David went and brought up God’s ark from the house of Obed-Edom into David’s city with joy.
When those who bore Yahweh’s ark had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.
David danced before Yahweh with all his might; and David was clothed in a linen ephod.
So David and all the house of Israel brought up Yahweh’s ark with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.”
Now there is joy with reverence.
Worship is not dead formality.
David danced before the Lord with all his might.
But worship must be according to God’s holiness.
Spirit and truth belong together.
“But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to be his worshipers.
God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Spirit without truth becomes disorder.
Truth without spirit becomes dead formalism.
God seeks worshippers who worship in spirit and truth.
The Ark was connected with the glory of God.
When Solomon later built the temple and brought the Ark into the Most Holy Place, the glory of the Lord filled the temple.
“The priests brought in the ark of Yahweh’s covenant to its place, into the inner sanctuary of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubim.
For the cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubim covered the ark and its poles above.
The poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the holy place before the inner sanctuary; but they were not seen outside; and there they are to this day.
There was nothing in the ark except the two stone tablets which Moses put there at Horeb, when Yahweh made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.
When the priests had come out of the holy place, the cloud filled Yahweh’s house,
so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud; for Yahweh’s glory filled Yahweh’s house.”
The priests could not stand to minister because the glory filled the house.
That is what man needs: not empty religion, but the glory of God.
But the glory of God is not entertainment.
The glory of God is holy.
When God’s glory fills a place, man is humbled.
The New Testament tells us that the tabernacle and its furniture were shadows of greater heavenly realities fulfilled in Christ.
“The Holy Spirit is indicating this, that the way into the Holy Place wasn’t yet revealed while the first tabernacle was still standing.
This is a symbol of the present age, where gifts and sacrifices are offered that are incapable, concerning the conscience, of making the worshiper perfect,
being only with meats and drinks and various washings, fleshly ordinances, imposed until a time of reformation.
But Christ having come as a high priest of the coming good things, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation,
nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption.”
Christ entered not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood.
He entered once for all.
The Old Covenant priests entered repeatedly.
Jesus entered once.
The old sacrifices could not perfect the conscience.
Jesus obtained eternal redemption.
This is the fulfilment of what the Ark and mercy seat pointed toward.
Romans 3 says God presented Christ as the atoning sacrifice. The word connects with the idea of propitiation, mercy seat, and atonement.
“For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus;
whom God sent to be an atoning sacrifice, through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God’s forbearance;
to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time, that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.”
All have sinned.
We need mercy.
God presented Jesus as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood.
At the Ark, blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat.
At the cross, Jesus shed His own blood.
The mercy seat was gold.
Jesus is greater.
The mercy seat was in the Most Holy Place.
Jesus entered the true heavenly sanctuary.
The old mercy seat was approached once a year.
Through Jesus, believers may draw near continually.
“Having therefore, brothers, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus,
by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
and having a great priest over God’s house,
let’s draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and having our body washed with pure water.”
We enter by the blood of Jesus.
Not by our merit.
Not by our righteousness.
Not by religious objects.
Not by ceremonies alone.
Not by human effort.
By the blood of Jesus.
When Jesus died, something happened in the temple.
“Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit.
Behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split.”
The veil was torn from top to bottom.
Not bottom to top, as if man opened the way.
Top to bottom, because God opened the way.
The barrier into the Most Holy Place was torn.
Through Christ, access to God is opened.
This does not mean God became less holy.
It means the sacrifice is complete.
The holy God can receive sinners because Jesus’ blood has made atonement.
In the Old Testament, the Ark was connected to the holy presence of God in the tabernacle and temple.
In the New Covenant, believers themselves become the temple of the Holy Spirit.
“Don’t you know that you are a temple of God, and that God’s Spirit lives in you?
If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, which you are.”
And again:
“Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,
for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
You are not your own.
You were bought with a price.
Therefore glorify God.
If the Ark teaches us that God’s presence is holy, then the New Testament teaches us that believers must live holy lives because God’s Spirit dwells in them.
Do not treat your body casually.
Do not treat sin casually.
Do not treat God’s presence casually.
The Ark teaches mercy, but it also teaches judgment.
Israel was judged when they used the Ark wrongly.
The Philistines were judged when they placed it before Dagon.
The men of Beth Shemesh were judged when they looked into it.
Uzzah was judged when he touched it.
God is merciful, but God is holy.
The New Testament says:
“Therefore, receiving a Kingdom that can’t be shaken, let’s have grace, through which we serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe,
for our God is a consuming fire.”
Our God is a consuming fire.
Grace does not remove reverence.
Grace teaches true reverence.
Peter says:
“But just as he who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all of your behavior;
because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’
If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man’s work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in reverent fear.”
Be holy, because God is holy.
The mercy seat teaches us that God provided a place of atonement.
But the mercy seat was not mercy without blood.
“According to the law, nearly everything is cleansed with blood, and apart from shedding of blood there is no remission.”
Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.
That is why Jesus had to die.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness. You were healed by his wounds.”
Jesus bore our sins.
“My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous.
And he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.”
Jesus is the atoning sacrifice.
He is the fulfilment of the mercy seat.
Mercy is not God ignoring sin.
Mercy is God dealing with sin through Christ.
The Ark points to Jesus in many ways.
The Ark was made of wood and gold.
Jesus is fully man and fully God.
The Ark contained the law.
Jesus perfectly fulfilled the law.
“Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill.”
The Ark had manna.
Jesus is the bread of life.
The Ark had Aaron’s rod that budded.
Jesus is the risen High Priest, alive forever.
The Ark had the mercy seat.
Jesus is the atoning sacrifice.
The Ark was where God met with His people.
Jesus is where God and man meet.
“The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
That word “dwelt” carries the idea of tabernacling.
In Jesus, God came to dwell among His people.
“For in him all the fullness of the Deity dwells bodily.”
All the fullness of God dwells bodily in Christ.
So we do not seek an earthly Ark for salvation.
We come to Jesus Christ.
The Ark appears again in Revelation.
“God’s temple that is in heaven was opened, and the ark of the Lord’s covenant was seen in his temple. Lightnings, sounds, thunders, an earthquake, and great hail followed.”
This is a majestic and terrifying scene.
The Ark of His covenant is seen in heaven.
There is lightning, thunder, earthquake, and hail.
This reminds us that God’s covenant is not forgotten.
God’s holiness is not gone.
God’s glory is not weak.
God’s judgment is not cancelled.
And God’s promises stand.
The Ark of the Covenant teaches us several lessons.
“Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”
God is not distant from His people. He desires fellowship.
But that fellowship must be through His appointed way.
“Who is able to stand before Yahweh, this holy God?”
That question must humble every heart.
Uzzah died because the Ark was touched contrary to God’s command.
“Yahweh’s anger burned against Uzzah; and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by God’s ark.”
God’s holiness is not controlled by human sincerity
.
Israel brought the Ark into battle, but they were defeated.
They had the symbol, but not obedience.
We must not trust religious appearance.
We must trust God Himself.
Dagon fell before the Ark.
“Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before Yahweh’s ark; and Dagon’s head and both the palms of his hands were cut off on the threshold.”
Every idol will fall.
Money will fall.
Power will fall.
False religion will fall.
Pride will fall.
The gods of this age will fall.
Only the Lord remains.
“Apart from shedding of blood there is no remission.”
The mercy seat points to the blood of Jesus.
“But Christ having come as a high priest of the coming good things… through his own blood, entered in once for all into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption.”
Jesus is greater than the Ark, greater than the tabernacle, greater than the old priesthood, greater than the blood of animals.
He obtained eternal redemption.
The question is:
How can you stand before a holy God?
Not by touching holy objects.
Not by carrying religious symbols.
Not by shouting louder.
Not by outward religion.
Not by good intentions.
Not by your own righteousness.
Only through Jesus Christ.
The Ark teaches us that God is holy.
The mercy seat teaches us that God provides atonement.
The cross teaches us that Jesus is the final sacrifice.
Come to Him.
“If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.’
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich to all who call on him.
For, ‘Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”
Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
The holy God has made a way.
The way is Jesus.
The Ark of the Covenant reveals:
God’s presence.
God’s holiness.
God’s law.
God’s judgment.
God’s mercy.
God’s glory.
Israel learned that the Ark could not be used as a lucky charm.
The Philistines learned that idols fall before the living God.
David learned that God must be approached according to His Word.
Hebrews teaches us that the Ark and tabernacle were shadows pointing to Christ.
Jesus is our true High Priest.
Jesus entered the true holy place with His own blood.
Jesus is the fulfilment of the mercy seat.
Jesus opened the way to God.
So let us come with reverence, faith, repentance, and gratitude.
“Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.”
Father God,
Thank You for the lessons of the Ark of the Covenant. Thank You for showing us that You are holy, glorious, righteous, and merciful.
Forgive us for the times we have treated holy things casually. Forgive us for trusting religious symbols instead of truly seeking You. Forgive us for pride, carelessness, and disobedience.
Thank You that Jesus Christ is our true High Priest. Thank You that He entered the true holy place with His own blood. Thank You that through Him we can draw near to the throne of grace.
Lord Jesus, cleanse us by Your blood. Teach us to worship in spirit and truth. Let every idol fall before You. Let Your glory dwell among Your people.
Holy Spirit, make us holy, reverent, obedient, and full of faith.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Main Texts: Genesis 19:1–29, Luke 17:26–33
Key Verse: Luke 17:32
Father God,
We come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. Open our hearts to hear Your warning and receive Your mercy. Teach us from the life of Lot’s wife. Help us not to look back to the world, not to love sin, not to delay obedience, and not to treat Your warnings lightly.
Lord Jesus, You said, “Remember Lot’s wife.” Help us remember. Help us flee from judgment and run to You, our only Saviour and refuge.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
The words of Jesus are simple, but they are serious.
“Remember Lot’s wife!”
Only three words.
But those three words carry a powerful warning.
Jesus does not say, “Remember Pharaoh.”
He does not say, “Remember Jezebel.”
He does not say, “Remember Goliath.”
He does not say, “Remember Judas.”
Here He says:
“Remember Lot’s wife.”
Why?
Because Lot’s wife was close to deliverance, but still lost.
She was led out of Sodom, but her heart was still behind her.
She escaped the city physically, but she looked back spiritually.
She was warned, but she disobeyed.
She was near salvation, but judgment overtook her.
That is a terrifying thought.
A person can be close to the people of God and still love the world.
A person can hear warnings and still not obey.
A person can be pulled away from danger and still look back with longing.
So Jesus says:
Remember Lot’s wife.
Jesus spoke about Lot’s wife when teaching about judgment, readiness, and the coming of the Kingdom.
“As it happened in the days of Noah, even so will it also be in the days of the Son of Man.
They ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ship, and the flood came and destroyed them all.
Likewise, even as it happened in the days of Lot: they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built;
but in the day that Lot went out from Sodom, it rained fire and sulfur from the sky and destroyed them all.
It will be the same way in the day that the Son of Man is revealed.”
Jesus compares the last days to the days of Noah and the days of Lot.
What were people doing?
Eating.
Drinking.
Marrying.
Buying.
Selling.
Planting.
Building.
These things are not all sinful in themselves. Eating is not sinful. Marriage is not sinful. Buying and selling are not sinful. Planting and building are not sinful.
The problem was that people were living as if judgment would never come.
They were occupied with normal life while ignoring God.
They were planning earthly futures while neglecting eternal reality.
They were comfortable in a doomed world.
That is the danger.
A society can continue business as usual right up until judgment falls.
People can eat dinner, sign contracts, build houses, plan weddings, make money, expand businesses, laugh, celebrate, and sleep — and still be one day away from judgment.
Jesus said:
“It will be the same way in the day that the Son of Man is revealed.”
Then He says:
“In that day, he who will be on the housetop and his goods in the house, let him not go down to take them away. Let him who is in the field likewise not turn back.
Remember Lot’s wife!
Whoever seeks to save his life loses it, but whoever loses his life preserves it.”
This is the heart of the message.
Do not turn back.
Do not go back for your goods.
Do not try to preserve your old life.
Remember Lot’s wife.
To understand Lot’s wife, we must understand Sodom.
The first mention of Sodom’s spiritual condition is very clear.
“Abram lived in the land of Canaan, and Lot lived in the cities of the plain, and moved his tent as far as Sodom.
Now the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinners against Yahweh.”
Sodom was not merely imperfect.
The Bible says the men of Sodom were “exceedingly wicked and sinners against Yahweh.”
Lot moved his tent as far as Sodom.
That phrase matters.
He did not begin inside Sodom. He moved toward it.
This is how compromise often begins.
A person does not always jump into deep sin in one moment.
They move toward it.
First the tent faces Sodom.
Then the life enters Sodom.
Then the family settles in Sodom.
Then the heart becomes entangled with Sodom.
The Bible warns:
“Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stand on the path of sinners,
nor sit in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in Yahweh’s law.
On his law he meditates day and night.”
Notice the movement:
Walk.
Stand.
Sit.
Sin often progresses.
First we walk near it.
Then we stand with it.
Then we sit in it.
Lot’s family became entangled in a city under judgment.
Many people only think of Sodom in one way, and Scripture certainly speaks of sexual immorality.
“Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them, having in the same way as these given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire.”
Sodom is an example of sexual immorality, perversion, and judgment.
But the Bible also tells us Sodom’s sin involved pride, fullness, comfort, and neglect of the poor.
“Behold, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: pride, fullness of bread, and prosperous ease was in her and in her daughters. She didn’t strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
They were arrogant, and committed abomination before me. Therefore I took them away when I saw it.”
This is very important.
Sodom had:
Pride.
Fullness of bread.
Prosperous ease.
Neglect of the poor and needy.
Arrogance.
Abomination before God.
Sodom was not only sexually corrupt. It was proud, rich, comfortable, selfish, and hard-hearted.
That means the spirit of Sodom can appear anywhere people are full, proud, comfortable, immoral, and merciless.
A nation can become like Sodom.
A city can become like Sodom.
A household can become like Sodom.
A heart can become like Sodom.
Jesus said:
“Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold.”
Sodom was a place where iniquity multiplied and love grew cold.
Before Sodom fell, God revealed the seriousness of its sin.
“Yahweh said, ‘Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous,
I will go down now and see whether their deeds are as bad as the reports which have come to me. If not, I will know.’”
The cry against Sodom was great.
Its sin was very grievous.
God sees sin.
God hears the cry of victims.
God is patient, but He is not blind.
People may say, “No one sees.”
But God sees.
“There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.”
Everything is open before God.
Sodom thought it was safe.
But God had seen.
Abraham pleaded with God.
“Abraham came near, and said, ‘Will you consume the righteous with the wicked?
What if there are fifty righteous within the city? Will you consume and not spare the place for the fifty righteous who are in it?
May it be far from you to do things like that, to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be like the wicked. May that be far from you. Shouldn’t the Judge of all the earth do right?’
Yahweh said, ‘If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole place for their sake.’”
Abraham continued pleading, and God agreed He would spare the city for ten righteous.
“He said, ‘Oh don’t let the Lord be angry, and I will speak just once more. What if ten are found there?’ He said, ‘I will not destroy it for the ten’s sake.’”
But ten righteous were not found.
That is how corrupt Sodom was.
This teaches us two things.
First, intercession matters.
Abraham stood before God and pleaded.
Second, judgment is real.
There comes a point when judgment falls.
God is merciful, but mercy must not be treated as permission to continue in sin.
“Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath, revelation, and of the righteous judgment of God.”
God’s patience should lead us to repentance.
But if people harden their hearts, they store up wrath.
The New Testament tells us something important about Lot.
“He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly;
and delivered righteous Lot, who was very distressed by the lustful life of the wicked
for that righteous man dwelling among them tormented his righteous soul from day to day with seeing and hearing lawless deeds.”
Peter calls Lot righteous.
Lot was distressed by the wickedness around him.
His soul was tormented by the lawless deeds he saw and heard.
But Lot was still in Sodom.
This is a warning.
A righteous person can be grieved by the world and still be too close to it.
A believer can be troubled by sin and still be entangled in a place of compromise.
Lot’s soul was tormented, but his family had become attached.
That is the danger of settling too close to sin.
You may think you can handle Sodom, but can your family?
You may think you are grieved by evil, but are you still making peace with it?
You may think you are not like the world, but are your affections slowly being shaped by it?
The Bible says:
“Don’t be deceived! Evil companionships corrupt good morals.”
Do not be deceived.
Sodom corrupts.
Genesis 19 begins with two angels entering Sodom.
“The two angels came to Sodom at evening. Lot sat in the gate of Sodom. Lot saw them, and rose up to meet them. He bowed himself with his face to the earth,
and he said, ‘See now, my lords, please come into your servant’s house, stay all night, wash your feet, and you can rise up early, and go on your way.’
They said, ‘No, but we will stay in the street all night.’
He urged them greatly, and they came in with him, and entered into his house. He made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.”
Lot is sitting in the gate.
In ancient cities, the gate was often a place of leadership, business, and public affairs.
Lot was not just passing through anymore.
He was settled.
He was part of city life.
Then the wickedness of the city is revealed.
“But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both young and old, all the people from every quarter.
They called to Lot, and said to him, ‘Where are the men who came in to you this night? Bring them out to us, that we may have sex with them.’”
The corruption was not hidden.
The men of the city surrounded the house.
Young and old.
From every quarter.
This was widespread depravity.
Sodom had reached a point of public shamelessness.
The Bible says:
“The look of their faces testify against them. They parade their sin like Sodom. They don’t hide it. Woe to their soul! For they have brought disaster upon themselves.”
They parade their sin like Sodom.
That is when a society no longer hides sin but celebrates it.
The angels warned Lot that the city would be destroyed.
“The men said to Lot, ‘Do you have anybody else here? Sons-in-law, your sons, your daughters, and whoever you have in the city, bring them out of the place:
for we will destroy this place, because the outcry against them has grown so great before Yahweh that Yahweh has sent us to destroy it.’”
Lot went to warn his sons-in-law.
“Lot went out, and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters, and said, ‘Get up! Get out of this place, for Yahweh will destroy the city.’ But he seemed to his sons-in-law to be joking.”
That is tragic.
He warned them, but they thought he was joking.
This is still happening today.
When Christians warn about judgment, many people laugh.
When we say Jesus is coming, they mock.
When we say sin brings death, they joke.
When we say hell is real, they scoff.
When we say repent, they say, “You are old-fashioned.”
Peter warned this would happen.
“Know this first, that in the last days mockers will come, walking after their own lusts
and saying, ‘Where is the promise of his coming? For, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.’
For this they willfully forget that there were heavens from of old, and an earth formed out of water and amid water by the word of God,
by which means the world that existed then, being overflowed with water, perished.
But the heavens that exist now, and the earth, by the same word, have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.”
Mockers will come.
They will say, “Where is the promise of His coming?”
But judgment came in Noah’s day.
Judgment came in Lot’s day.
And judgment will come again.
The angels told Lot to escape.
“When the morning came, then the angels hurried Lot, saying, ‘Get up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the iniquity of the city.’”
The command was urgent:
Get up.
Take your family.
Do not be consumed.
But the next verse is very revealing.
“But he lingered; and the men grabbed his hand, his wife’s hand, and his two daughters’ hands, Yahweh being merciful to him; and they took him out, and set him outside of the city.”
“But he lingered.”
That phrase exposes the heart.
Judgment was coming, but Lot lingered.
The angels had to grab him by the hand.
His wife by the hand.
His daughters by the hand.
And the Bible says:
“Yahweh being merciful to him.”
This is mercy.
Lot did not rescue himself quickly.
God was merciful.
Many of us can testify to the same thing.
God pulled us out when we were slow to obey.
God warned us when we were foolish.
God had mercy when we lingered too long.
God sent conviction.
God sent Scripture.
God sent someone to warn us.
God put His hand on us and said, “Get out before you are consumed.”
Do not despise mercy.
Do not linger when God says flee.
“While it is said, ‘Today if you will hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts, as in the rebellion.’”
Today.
Not tomorrow.
Not later.
Not after one more taste of Sodom.
Today.
The angels gave a clear command.
“It came to pass, when they had taken them out, that he said, ‘Escape for your life! Don’t look behind you, and don’t stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be consumed!’”
There are four commands here:
Escape for your life.
Do not look behind you.
Do not stay in the plain.
Escape to the mountains.
This is the Gospel warning in Old Testament form.
Escape for your life.
Do not look back.
Do not stop halfway.
Run to the place of safety.
This is what repentance looks like.
Repentance is not calmly admiring the idea of leaving Sodom.
Repentance is fleeing.
John the Baptist said:
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, ‘You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance!’”
Flee from the wrath to come.
Produce fruit worthy of repentance.
Paul told Timothy:
“Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
Flee lust.
Pursue righteousness.
Do not negotiate with Sodom.
Do not try to keep one foot in the city and one foot in salvation.
Run.
Even after being warned, Lot pleaded to go to Zoar instead of the mountains.
“Lot said to them, ‘Oh, not so, my lord.
See now, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have magnified your loving kindness, which you have shown to me in saving my life. I can’t escape to the mountain, lest evil overtake me, and I die.
See now, this city is near to flee to, and it is a little one. Oh let me escape there—isn’t it a little one?—and my soul will live.’”
Lot says:
“Isn’t it a little one?”
That is how compromise talks.
“It is only a little sin.”
“It is only a small compromise.”
“It is only a little disobedience.”
“It is not as bad as Sodom.”
But delayed obedience and partial obedience are dangerous.
God was merciful to Lot, but Lot’s heart was still weak.
Many people do this spiritually.
God says, “Leave sin.”
They say, “Can I keep this little part?”
God says, “Come out.”
They say, “Can I stay near it?”
God says, “Flee.”
They say, “Can I slow down?”
Jesus said:
“But Jesus said to him, ‘No one, having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for God’s Kingdom.’”
Do not look back.
When Lot reached safety, judgment came.
“The sun had risen on the earth when Lot came to Zoar.
Then Yahweh rained on Sodom and on Gomorrah sulfur and fire from Yahweh out of the sky.
He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew on the ground.”
The sun had risen.
It looked like an ordinary morning.
People in Sodom may have woken up expecting another normal day.
Business as usual.
Food.
Trade.
Plans.
Pleasure.
Sin.
Mockery.
Then fire fell.
Jesus said that is what the day of His revealing will be like.
“Likewise, even as it happened in the days of Lot: they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built;
but in the day that Lot went out from Sodom, it rained fire and sulfur from the sky and destroyed them all.
It will be the same way in the day that the Son of Man is revealed.”
Judgment came the same day Lot went out.
This is a warning.
The world may look stable.
But judgment can come suddenly.
Paul says:
“For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.
For when they are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman; and they will in no way escape.”
When they say, “Peace and safety,” sudden destruction comes.
Now we come to the key verse in Genesis.
“But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.”
She looked back.
The Hebrew idea can carry more than a quick glance. It suggests looking with longing, looking behind, turning attention back toward what God had commanded her to leave.
The command had been clear:
“Don’t look behind you…”
But she looked back.
And she became a pillar of salt.
Why was this so serious?
Because her look revealed her heart.
Her feet had left Sodom.
But her heart was still there.
Her body was on the road of escape.
But her desires were still in the city.
She was physically close to deliverance, but spiritually attached to the world.
This is why Jesus says:
“Remember Lot’s wife.”
Not because she was the most wicked person in Sodom.
Not because she was the most violent.
Not because she mocked the angels publicly.
But because she looked back after being warned.
She is a warning to the person who begins to leave sin but still loves it.
She is a warning to the person who wants salvation but also wants Sodom.
She is a warning to the person who follows outwardly but longs backward inwardly.
Lot’s wife shows the danger of loving the world.
The apostle John says:
“Don’t love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love isn’t in him.
For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—isn’t the Father’s, but is the world’s.
The world is passing away with its lusts, but he who does God’s will remains forever.”
Do not love the world.
That does not mean we do not love people. God loves the world in the sense that He gave His Son to save sinners. But we must not love the world system that is opposed to God.
The lust of the flesh.
The lust of the eyes.
The pride of life.
That is Sodom.
That is Babylon.
That is Egypt.
That is the broad road.
And John says:
“The world is passing away.”
Sodom passed away.
The present world system will pass away.
Only the one who does the will of God remains forever.
James says:
“You adulterers and adulteresses, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
Friendship with the world is hostility toward God.
That is strong.
You cannot be married to Christ and in love with Sodom.
Lot’s wife is not the only warning.
Israel also looked back after being delivered from Egypt.
God brought Israel out by blood, power, signs, wonders, and the Red Sea.
But in the wilderness, they looked back in their hearts.
“The mixed multitude that was among them lusted exceedingly; and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, ‘Who will give us meat to eat?
We remember the fish, which we ate in Egypt for nothing; the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic;
but now we have lost our appetite. There is nothing at all except this manna to look at.’”
They remembered Egypt’s food but forgot Egypt’s slavery.
That is what sin does.
Sin makes people remember pleasure and forget bondage.
They remembered fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic.
But they forgot the whips.
They forgot the chains.
They forgot the crying.
They forgot the slavery.
Many people do the same spiritually.
They leave sin, then later say:
“I remember the fun.”
“I remember the excitement.”
“I remember the pleasure.”
“I remember the old friends.”
“I remember the old lifestyle.”
But they forget the emptiness, shame, bondage, addiction, guilt, darkness, and judgment.
The Bible says:
“As a dog that returns to his vomit, so is a fool who repeats his folly.”
Do not return to what God delivered you from.
Paul gives a sad New Testament example.
“For Demas left me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.”
Demas had been with Paul.
He was close to ministry.
He was close to truth.
He was close to the apostolic work.
But Paul says:
“Demas left me, having loved this present world.”
This is Lot’s wife again in another form.
Loving this present world can pull a person away from faithfulness.
Jesus warned:
“Others are those who are sown among the thorns. These are those who have heard the word,
and the cares of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”
The cares of this age.
The deceitfulness of riches.
The desires for other things.
These choke the Word.
That is why we must guard the heart.
Jesus said:
“As they went on the way, a certain man said to him, ‘I want to follow you wherever you go, Lord.’
Jesus said to him, ‘The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.’
He said to another, ‘Follow me!’
But he said, ‘Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.’
But Jesus said to him, ‘Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but you go and announce God’s Kingdom.’
Another also said, ‘I want to follow you, Lord, but first allow me to say goodbye to those who are at my house.’
But Jesus said to him, ‘No one, having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for God’s Kingdom.’”
Jesus is not teaching dishonour toward family.
He is teaching the urgency and supremacy of the Kingdom.
The phrase “but first” is dangerous.
“Lord, I will follow You, but first…”
But first, let me enjoy sin a little longer.
But first, let me make more money.
But first, let me keep this relationship.
But first, let me stay close to Sodom.
But first, let me look back.
Jesus says no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the Kingdom.
The narrow road requires forward-looking faith.
“Therefore let’s also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us,
looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Looking to Jesus.
Not looking back to Sodom.
Not looking back to Egypt.
Not looking back to old sin.
Looking to Jesus.
Paul says:
“However, what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.
Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ
and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death,
if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.
Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do: forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before,
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Paul says:
“Forgetting the things which are behind.”
Stretching forward.
Pressing on.
That is the opposite of Lot’s wife.
Lot’s wife looked back.
Paul pressed forward.
The Christian life requires a holy forgetting.
Forget the old identity.
Forget the old bondage.
Forget the old idols.
Forget the old sinful pleasures.
Forget the old pride.
Forget the old self-righteousness.
Press on toward Christ.
The command to leave Sodom is similar to other biblical commands to come out from corruption.
“Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship do righteousness and iniquity have? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?
What agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or what portion does a believer have with an unbeliever?
What agreement has a temple of God with idols? For you are a temple of the living God. Even as God said, ‘I will dwell in them and walk in them. I will be their God, and they will be my people.’
Therefore “‘Come out from among them, and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Touch no unclean thing. I will receive you.
I will be to you a Father. You will be to me sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty.”
Come out from among them.
Be separate.
Touch no unclean thing.
This does not mean Christians hate unbelievers. We are called to love the lost, preach the Gospel, show mercy, and be witnesses.
But we must not be joined to the world’s sin.
We must not be yoked with darkness.
We must not live as if Sodom is home.
Revelation gives a similar command about Babylon.
“I heard another voice from heaven, saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, that you have no participation in her sins, and that you don’t receive of her plagues,
for her sins have reached to the sky, and God has remembered her iniquities.’”
Come out, so you do not participate in her sins.
Come out, so you do not receive her plagues.
This is the same warning as Sodom.
Do not stay in the city marked for judgment.
The Bible warns strongly against returning to corruption after knowing the truth.
“For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in it and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.
For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.
But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, ‘The dog turns to his own vomit again,’ and ‘the sow that has washed to wallowing in the mire.’”
This is a severe warning.
To know the way of righteousness and turn back is dangerous.
Do not treat God’s mercy lightly.
Do not escape Sodom and then look back with desire.
Do not leave bondage and then return to chains.
Jesus said:
“Jesus answered them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant of sin.
A bondservant doesn’t live in the house forever. A son remains forever.
If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.’”
Jesus sets people free.
Do not return to slavery.
Jesus connects Lot’s wife to this statement:
“Whoever seeks to save his life loses it, but whoever loses his life preserves it.”
Lot’s wife wanted to preserve something.
Perhaps her house.
Her possessions.
Her life in Sodom.
Her identity.
Her comfort.
Her memories.
Her old world.
Jesus says the one who seeks to save his life will lose it.
This is the great paradox of discipleship.
If you cling to your old life, you lose everything.
If you surrender your life to Christ, you gain true life.
Jesus said:
“He called the multitude to himself with his disciples, and said to them, ‘Whoever wants to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; and whoever will lose his life for my sake and the sake of the Good News will save it.
For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?
For what will a man give in exchange for his life?’”
What does it profit a person to gain the whole world and lose their soul?
What good is Sodom if you perish with it?
What good is money if you lose your soul?
What good is pleasure if it leads to destruction?
What good is worldly acceptance if Christ says, “Depart from Me”?
Lot’s wife reminds us that urgency matters.
There is a time to flee.
There is a time to repent.
There is a time when the door is open.
But the door does not stay open forever.
In the days of Noah, God shut the door of the ark.
“Those who went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God commanded him; then Yahweh shut him in.”
The Lord shut the door.
Once the door was shut, the flood came.
Jesus also told the parable of the ten virgins.
“While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.
Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us.’
But he answered, ‘Most certainly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
Watch therefore, for you don’t know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”
The door was shut.
That is why the Bible says:
“For he says, ‘At an acceptable time I listened to you. In a day of salvation I helped you.’ Behold, now is the acceptable time. Behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Now is the day of salvation.
Not tomorrow.
Not after one more look back.
Now.
The story of Lot is also about mercy.
God rescued Lot before judgment fell.
Peter says:
“The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment.”
The Lord knows how to rescue.
Even when Lot lingered, God was merciful.
Even when Lot was weak, God pulled him out.
This gives hope.
If you are entangled, God can rescue you.
If you are too close to Sodom, God can pull you out.
If your heart has been divided, God can make you whole.
If you have lingered too long, cry out for mercy.
But do not abuse mercy.
When God takes your hand, move.
When God warns you, listen.
When God says flee, flee.
The angels told Lot to flee to the mountains.
For us, the true refuge is Jesus Christ.
“That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to take hold of the hope set before us.”
Believers have fled for refuge to take hold of the hope set before us.
Jesus is the refuge.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
And:
“Yahweh’s name is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe.”
The righteous run to Him and are safe.
Do not run back to Sodom.
Run to Christ.
Do not look back to the burning city.
Look to the Saviour.
Jesus said:
“I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture.”
Jesus is the door.
Enter through Him.
The story of Lot’s wife is a warning, but the Gospel is good news.
We are all sinners.
“For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.”
Sin brings death.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Judgment is coming.
“The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now he commands that all people everywhere should repent,
because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he has ordained; of which he has given assurance to all men, in that he has raised him from the dead.”
God commands all people everywhere to repent.
Why?
Because He has appointed a day of judgment.
But Jesus died for sinners.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness. You were healed by his wounds.”
Jesus bore our sins.
He took the judgment we deserved.
He rose from the dead.
“If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.’
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich to all who call on him.
For, ‘Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”
Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
This is the mercy of God.
Sodom says stay.
Jesus says come.
Sodom says look back.
Jesus says follow Me.
Sodom ends in fire.
Jesus gives eternal life.
Lot’s wife had been given a mercy many did not receive.
She had been warned.
She had been taken by the hand.
She had been brought out.
She had been told not to look back.
But she looked back.
This is why her judgment is so serious.
The greater the mercy, the greater the accountability.
Jesus said:
“But he who didn’t know and did things worthy of stripes will be beaten with few stripes. To whoever much is given, of him will much be required; and to whom much was entrusted, of him more will be asked.”
To whom much is given, much will be required.
If you have heard the Gospel, you have been given much.
If you have been warned, you have been given much.
If God has convicted you, you have been given much.
If God has pulled you out of sin before, you have been given much.
Do not look back.
People look back to Sodom in many ways.
Some look back through old sinful relationships.
They know God called them out, but they keep emotional ties to what destroyed them.
Some look back through entertainment.
They feed their soul with the same darkness God delivered them from.
Some look back through greed.
They cannot let go of the world’s promise of money, luxury, and status.
Some look back through bitterness.
They keep returning to old wounds, old anger, and old revenge.
Some look back through secret sin.
Outwardly they walk with God, but inwardly they long for Sodom.
Some look back through nostalgia.
They remember the pleasure of sin but forget the bondage.
Some look back through fear.
They think the world can protect them better than God.
But Scripture says:
“If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.
Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.
For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.
Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
Set your mind above.
Put sin to death.
Do not look back.
The answer is not merely “try harder not to look back.”
The answer is: look forward to Christ.
“Looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Look to Jesus.
He is better than Sodom.
Better than sin.
Better than money.
Better than pleasure.
Better than reputation.
Better than the old life.
Better than the world.
Better than anything you leave behind.
Paul said:
“Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ.”
Paul counted all things as loss compared with knowing Christ.
When Christ becomes precious, Sodom loses its power.
Jesus said:
“Remember Lot’s wife!”
Remember that she was close, but lost.
Remember that she was warned, but disobeyed.
Remember that she left physically, but looked back spiritually.
Remember that judgment came suddenly.
Remember that the world passing away is not worth your soul.
Remember that Jesus is calling you forward.
The message is not only, “Do not look back.”
The message is also, “Run to Christ.”
“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Jesus says, “Come to Me.”
Come out of Sodom.
Come out of sin.
Come out of compromise.
Come out of delay.
Come out of the world’s lies.
Come to Jesus.
Lot’s wife teaches us:
Judgment is real.
God’s warnings must be taken seriously.
Sodom represents pride, immorality, comfort, greed, and rebellion.
Lot lingered, but God was merciful.
The command was clear: escape for your life and do not look back.
Lot’s wife looked back and became a pillar of salt.
Jesus used her as a warning for the last days.
The world is passing away.
The door will not stay open forever.
Christ is the only refuge.
Therefore:
Do not linger.
Do not look back.
Do not love the world.
Do not return to bondage.
Do not treat mercy lightly.
Run to Jesus.
Follow Him to the end.
Father God,
Thank You for warning us through the story of Lot’s wife. Thank You that Jesus Himself told us to remember her.
Lord, forgive us for the times we have looked back to sin, loved the world, lingered in compromise, or treated Your mercy lightly.
Pull us out of Sodom. Deliver us from pride, lust, greed, comfort, false security, and spiritual delay.
Lord Jesus, You are our refuge. We run to You. We believe You died for our sins and rose from the dead. Save us, cleanse us, and keep us from looking back.
Holy Spirit, fix our eyes on Jesus. Give us power to flee sin, walk in holiness, and endure until the end.
May we not be like Lot’s wife. May we be like those who press forward, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Main Texts: Numbers 21:4–9, John 3:14–18
Theme: Sin, judgment, mercy, faith, healing, and Christ lifted up for sinners.
Father God,
We come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. Open our hearts to understand Your Word. Teach us through the account of the bronze serpent. Show us the seriousness of sin, the poison of rebellion, the mercy of Your salvation, and the glory of Jesus Christ lifted up for sinners.
Lord Jesus, You said that as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so You must be lifted up. Help us look to You and live.
Holy Spirit, convict us, heal us, and lead us into truth.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Let us begin with the main passage.
“They traveled from Mount Hor by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. The soul of the people was very discouraged because of the journey.
The people spoke against God and against Moses: ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no bread, there is no water, and our soul loathes this disgusting food!’
Yahweh sent venomous snakes among the people, and they bit the people. Many people of Israel died.
The people came to Moses, and said, ‘We have sinned, because we have spoken against Yahweh and against you. Pray to Yahweh, that he take away the serpents from us.’ Moses prayed for the people.
Yahweh said to Moses, ‘Make a venomous snake, and set it on a pole. It shall happen that everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.’
Moses made a serpent of bronze, and set it on the pole. If a serpent had bitten any man, when he looked at the serpent of bronze, he lived.”
This is one of the strangest and most powerful stories in the Old Testament.
Israel sinned.
God judged them with fiery serpents.
The people confessed their sin.
Moses prayed.
God gave a way of healing.
A bronze serpent was lifted up on a pole.
Whoever looked at it lived.
At first, this may seem unusual. Why would God command Moses to make a bronze serpent? Why would looking at it bring life? Why did Jesus later compare Himself to this event?
The answer is found in the words of Jesus.
“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
Jesus said the bronze serpent pointed to Him.
So this story is not only about Israel in the wilderness. It is about the Gospel.
The bronze serpent teaches us about sin, judgment, repentance, faith, and salvation through Christ.
The passage says:
“They traveled from Mount Hor by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. The soul of the people was very discouraged because of the journey.”
The people became discouraged because of the journey.
That is where the danger began.
They were tired.
They were frustrated.
They were delayed.
They were in the wilderness.
They were not yet in the promised land.
Discouragement itself is not sin. Many godly people in Scripture became weary. Elijah became weary. David cried out in distress. Jeremiah wept. Paul was burdened beyond strength.
But discouragement becomes dangerous when it turns into unbelief, complaint, bitterness, and accusation against God.
Israel’s discouragement did not lead them to prayer.
It led them to rebellion.
They did not say, “Lord, strengthen us.”
They said, “Why have You brought us up out of Egypt to die?”
This is a warning.
A tired soul can become a complaining soul.
A complaining soul can become a bitter soul.
A bitter soul can become a rebellious soul.
The Bible says:
“Looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it.”
Bitterness defiles many.
Israel’s discouragement spread through the camp.
“The people spoke against God and against Moses: ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no bread, there is no water, and our soul loathes this disgusting food!’”
They spoke against God and Moses.
This was not merely complaining about circumstances. It was an accusation against God’s character.
They accused God of bringing them out to die.
But God had delivered them from Egypt.
God had opened the Red Sea.
God had provided manna from heaven.
God had brought water from the rock.
God had guided them by cloud and fire.
God had preserved them in the wilderness.
And yet they said, “Why have You brought us up out of Egypt to die?”
This is how unbelief talks.
Unbelief forgets deliverance.
Unbelief forgets mercy.
Unbelief forgets miracles.
Unbelief forgets provision.
Unbelief remembers Egypt wrongly.
Unbelief accuses God.
Psalm 78 describes Israel’s rebellion.
“Yet they still went on to sin against him, to rebel against the Most High in the desert.
They tempted God in their heart by asking food according to their desire.
Yes, they spoke against God. They said, ‘Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?
Behold, he struck the rock, so that waters gushed out, and streams overflowed. Can he give bread also? Will he provide meat for his people?’
Therefore Yahweh heard, and was angry. A fire was kindled against Jacob, anger also went up against Israel,
because they didn’t believe in God, and didn’t trust in his salvation.”
The issue was unbelief.
They did not trust God’s salvation.
They did not trust God’s provision.
They did not trust God’s heart.
Israel said:
“Our soul loathes this disgusting food!”
The “food” they despised was manna.
But manna was God’s provision from heaven.
“Then Yahweh said to Moses, ‘Behold, I will rain bread from the sky for you. The people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.’”
God gave them bread from heaven.
Yet they called it disgusting.
This is serious.
They were not merely tired of food. They were despising God’s gracious provision.
Jesus later teaches that manna pointed to Him.
“Jesus therefore said to them, ‘Most certainly, I tell you, it wasn’t Moses who gave you the bread out of heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread out of heaven.
For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven and gives life to the world.’
They said therefore to him, ‘Lord, always give us this bread.’
Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will not be hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.’”
The manna pointed to Jesus, the true bread from heaven.
So when Israel despised the manna, it foreshadowed a deeper spiritual danger: despising God’s provision.
People still do this today.
God gives His Word, but people say, “We want entertainment.”
God gives Christ, but people say, “We want the world.”
God gives salvation, but people say, “We want sin.”
God gives truth, but people say, “We want our own way.”
God gives daily bread, but people complain that it is not enough.
The Bible says:
“Do all things without complaining and arguing,
that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without defect in the middle of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world.”
Complaining is not a small thing.
It reveals the heart’s attitude toward God.
“Yahweh sent venomous snakes among the people, and they bit the people. Many people of Israel died.”
God sent serpents among the people.
This was judgment.
The people had spoken against God, and now the consequences of sin entered the camp.
The serpents bit them, and many died.
This reminds us of the beginning of Scripture.
In Genesis, the serpent was the instrument of temptation.
“Now the serpent was more subtle than any animal of the field which Yahweh God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Has God really said, “You shall not eat of any tree of the garden”?’
The woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat fruit from the trees of the garden,
but not the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden. God has said, “You shall not eat of it. You shall not touch it, lest you die.”’
The serpent said to the woman, ‘You won’t really die,
for God knows that in the day you eat it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’”
The serpent tempted Eve by questioning God’s Word and God’s goodness.
“Has God really said?”
“You won’t really die.”
The serpent’s poison was unbelief.
And when Adam and Eve sinned, death entered the world.
“Therefore as sin entered into the world through one man, and death through sin; so death passed to all men, because all sinned.”
Sin brings death.
That is what the serpents in Numbers 21 show us.
The bite of the serpent is like the poison of sin.
Sin may seem small at first, but it carries death in it.
“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed.
Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin; and sin, when it is full grown, produces death.”
Sin produces death.
It may begin as desire.
It may look pleasant.
It may promise freedom.
It may seem exciting.
But when it is full grown, it brings death.
The people realised they had sinned.
“The people came to Moses, and said, ‘We have sinned, because we have spoken against Yahweh and against you. Pray to Yahweh, that he take away the serpents from us.’ Moses prayed for the people.”
This is important.
They did not blame Moses now.
They did not blame the wilderness now.
They did not blame the serpents only.
They said:
“We have sinned.”
That is the beginning of repentance.
A sinner must stop blaming and start confessing.
David said:
“For I know my transgressions. My sin is constantly before me.
Against you, and you only, I have sinned, and done that which is evil in your sight, so you may be proved right when you speak, and justified when you judge.”
David did not hide his sin.
He confessed it.
John says:
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.
But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and righteous to forgive.
The people confessed, “We have sinned.”
This is the cry God receives.
Not the proud person saying, “I am fine.”
Not the religious person saying, “I am better than others.”
Not the rebel saying, “God is unfair.”
But the humbled sinner saying:
“Lord, I have sinned.”
“Moses prayed for the people.”
Moses stood as an intercessor.
The people had spoken against him, but Moses prayed for them.
This points us forward to Jesus Christ, the greater intercessor.
Jesus prayed for sinners even while they crucified Him.
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.’”
Jesus also intercedes for His people now.
“Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, seeing that he lives forever to make intercession for them.”
Jesus lives forever to intercede.
Moses prayed, and God gave a way of healing.
Jesus intercedes, and through Him sinners are saved to the uttermost.
Paul says:
“Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”
Christ died.
Christ rose.
Christ is at the right hand of God.
Christ intercedes.
That is our hope.
The people asked Moses to pray that God would take away the serpents.
“Pray to Yahweh, that he take away the serpents from us.”
But God’s answer was surprising.
“Yahweh said to Moses, ‘Make a venomous snake, and set it on a pole. It shall happen that everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.’”
God did not first remove all the serpents.
He provided a way for the bitten to live.
This matters.
Sometimes God’s mercy does not come the way we expect.
They wanted the danger removed.
God gave healing in the middle of the danger.
They wanted the serpents gone.
God gave them a lifted-up sign to look at by faith.
This teaches us the Gospel.
God has not yet removed all death from the world.
People still die.
Sin still has consequences.
The world still groans.
But God has lifted up Christ, so that sinners bitten by sin may look to Him and live.
The final removal of death is coming.
“For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
The last enemy that will be abolished is death.”
Death will one day be abolished.
But even now, salvation is available through Christ.
“Yahweh said to Moses, ‘Make a venomous snake, and set it on a pole. It shall happen that everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.’
Moses made a serpent of bronze, and set it on the pole. If a serpent had bitten any man, when he looked at the serpent of bronze, he lived.”
The serpent had to be lifted up.
If it remained hidden, the people would not see it.
If it was placed on the ground, those far away might not see it.
It was lifted up so that the dying could look and live.
Jesus says this points to Him.
“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
Jesus had to be lifted up.
This refers especially to His death on the cross.
Jesus says again:
“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
“But he said this, signifying by what kind of death he should die.”
Jesus was lifted up on the cross.
The bronze serpent was lifted up in the wilderness.
Christ was lifted up at Calvary.
The bitten Israelites looked at the bronze serpent and lived.
Sinners look to Christ crucified and receive eternal life.
This is a deep question.
Why did God command Moses to make the image of a serpent?
The serpent was the symbol of the thing that was killing them.
The people were dying from serpent bites.
God told Moses to lift up a bronze serpent.
In this we see a picture of Christ bearing our sin and curse.
Jesus was sinless, but He was made to be sin for us.
“For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Jesus knew no sin.
But He was made sin for us.
Not that Jesus became evil in His nature. He remained holy, spotless, and righteous. But He bore our sin as our substitute.
The serpent represented the curse.
Jesus bore the curse for us.
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. For it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.’”
Christ became a curse for us.
The bronze serpent had the likeness of the thing that brought death, but there was no poison in the bronze serpent.
Jesus came in the likeness of sinful flesh, yet without sin.
“For what the law couldn’t do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh.”
Jesus came in the likeness of sinful flesh.
He was truly human.
Yet He was without sin.
“For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.”
Without sin.
At the cross, sin was judged in Christ.
The poison of the serpent was answered by the lifted-up Son of Man.
In Scripture, bronze is often connected with judgment and endurance under fire.
The altar of burnt offering was made of bronze.
“You shall make the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long, and five cubits wide. The altar shall be square. Its height shall be three cubits.
You shall make its horns on its four corners. Its horns shall be of one piece with it; and you shall overlay it with bronze.”
The bronze altar was where sacrifice was offered.
Judgment fell on the sacrifice instead of the sinner.
The bronze serpent, lifted up, speaks of judgment already dealt with.
The serpent that killed them was judged in symbol.
At the cross, sin was judged in Christ.
Jesus did not merely teach about sin.
He bore sin.
Jesus did not merely warn about judgment.
He endured judgment for His people.
Isaiah prophesied:
Isaiah 53 shows the heart of the Gospel.
Jesus took up our pain.
Jesus bore our suffering.
Jesus was pierced for our transgressions.
Jesus was crushed for our iniquities.
The punishment that brought us peace was on Him.
By His wounds we are healed.
And the Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
This is exactly what the bronze serpent points toward.
The Israelites were dying because of the serpent’s bite.
Sinners are dying because of the poison of sin.
The bronze serpent was lifted up in the wilderness.
Jesus Christ was lifted up on the cross.
The bitten Israelites looked and lived.
The sinner looks to Christ by faith and receives eternal life.
The bronze serpent had the likeness of the serpent but no poison.
Jesus came in the likeness of sinful flesh, yet without sin.
“For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh.”
God condemned sin in the flesh of Christ.
Not because Jesus sinned.
He was sinless.
But because He stood in the place of sinners.
22 “He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”[a]
23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
When Peter quotes Isaiah and says, “By his wounds you have been healed,” he is speaking first of all about spiritual healing.
The deepest wound is not in the skin.
The deepest sickness is not in the body.
The deepest poison is not from a serpent in the wilderness.
The deepest poison is sin.
Sin separates us from God.
Sin corrupts the heart.
Sin blinds the mind.
Sin hardens the conscience.
Sin makes people slaves.
Sin brings death.
The Israelites were dying from snake venom, but mankind is dying from sin.
The Bible says:
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Sin pays wages.
Those wages are death.
But God gives a gift.
That gift is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This is why Jesus did not merely come to improve our life. He came to save us from death. He came to heal us at the root. He came to remove guilt, cleanse sin, defeat Satan, and bring us back to God.
“Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit.”
Christ suffered for sins once.
The righteous for the unrighteous.
Why?
“That He might bring you to God.”
That is the healing we need most.
The people who were bitten had to look.
“Yahweh said to Moses, ‘Make a venomous snake, and set it on a pole. It shall happen that everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.’
Moses made a serpent of bronze, and set it on the pole. If a serpent had bitten any man, when he looked at the serpent of bronze, he lived.”
God did not tell them to create their own cure.
He did not tell them to fight the snakes in their own strength.
He did not tell them to pretend they were not bitten.
He did not tell them to crawl to Moses and pay money.
He did not tell them to perform ten religious works.
He simply said:
Look.
Look and live.
That look was an act of faith.
A dying Israelite had to believe God’s word enough to look at what God had provided.
Some may have thought it was foolish.
“How can looking at a bronze serpent heal me?”
Others may have been too proud.
“I will find another way.”
Others may have delayed.
“I will look later.”
But only those who looked lived.
This points directly to saving faith in Christ.
“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
In Numbers, the word was:
Look and live.
In the Gospel, the word is:
Believe and live.
Faith is looking away from self and looking to Christ.
Not looking to our works.
Not looking to our goodness.
Not looking to our religion.
Not looking to our feelings.
Not looking to our past.
Not looking to our strength.
Not looking to another saviour.
Looking to Jesus.
“Looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Look to Jesus.
He is the author and perfecter of faith.
In the wilderness, there was only one cure for the serpent bite.
Not medicine from Egypt.
Not human wisdom.
Not personal strength.
Not Moses’ staff.
Not the memory of the Red Sea.
Not the manna.
Not the tabernacle sacrifices at that moment.
God appointed one way:
The bronze serpent lifted up.
Likewise, there is only one Saviour for sinners.
“There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven that is given among men by which we must be saved!”
There is no other name.
Only Jesus.
Jesus Himself said:
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.’”
Not one way among many.
The way.
Not one truth among many.
The truth.
Not one life among many.
The life.
No one comes to the Father except through Him.
The bronze serpent was God’s appointed remedy.
Jesus Christ is God’s appointed Saviour.
To reject Him is to remain under judgment.
“He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.”
The issue is not whether the cure is available.
The issue is whether the sinner will look.
Numbers says:
“It shall happen that everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.”
Everyone.
Not only the strong.
Not only the young.
Not only the important.
Not only the leaders.
Not only the clever.
Not only those close to Moses.
Everyone who was bitten could look and live.
This is the wideness of God’s mercy.
The Gospel says the same.
“For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich to all who call on him.
For, ‘Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”
Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
That means there is hope for the sinner.
Hope for the guilty.
Hope for the broken.
Hope for the addicted.
Hope for the religious hypocrite who repents.
Hope for the immoral person who turns to Christ.
Hope for the thief.
Hope for the proud if they humble themselves.
Hope for the dying.
Hope for the ashamed.
Hope for the one who has wasted years in rebellion.
Everyone who looks to Christ in faith will live.
Jesus said:
“All those whom the Father gives me will come to me. He who comes to me I will in no way throw out.”
Jesus will not cast out the one who comes to Him.
Looking at the bronze serpent was simple.
But the mercy behind it was not cheap.
Sin had brought death into the camp.
God’s holy judgment was real.
The people had to confess, “We have sinned.”
The lifted-up serpent showed that God was dealing with the very thing killing them.
In the same way, salvation in Christ is simple enough for a child to receive, but it was not cheap.
It cost the blood of the Son of God.
“Knowing that you were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from the useless way of life handed down from your fathers,
but with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish or spot, the blood of Christ.”
We were not redeemed with silver or gold.
We were redeemed with precious blood.
The blood of Christ.
So when we say, “Believe in Jesus,” we are not preaching a small thing.
We are saying:
Look to the crucified Son of God.
Look to the One who bore sin.
Look to the One who became a curse for us.
Look to the One who shed His blood.
Look to the One who rose from the dead.
Look to the One seated at the right hand of God.
“Inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once, and after this, judgment,
so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, without sin, to those who are eagerly waiting for him for salvation.”
Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.
He will come again.
Imagine an Israelite saying, “Looking is too simple. I must add something.”
Imagine one saying:
“I will look, but I must also crawl around the camp seven times.”
Another says:
“I will look, but only after I prove myself worthy.”
Another says:
“I will look, but I must bring a payment.”
Another says:
“I will not look until I understand exactly how bronze can heal venom.”
But God’s command was simple:
Look.
The same is true with the Gospel.
We are saved by grace through faith.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
not of works, that no one would boast.”
Salvation is not by works.
It is the gift of God.
No one can boast.
Paul says:
“Where then is the boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.
We maintain therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”
Justified by faith apart from works of the law.
This does not mean faith is dead. True faith produces fruit. But works do not purchase salvation.
The dying Israelite did not heal himself by looking.
God healed him when he trusted God’s remedy.
The sinner does not save himself by believing.
God saves the sinner who trusts in Christ.
The bronze serpent may have offended human pride.
It was too simple.
It was too humbling.
It required admitting, “I am bitten. I am dying. I cannot heal myself. I must look to what God has provided.”
That is why many people reject the Gospel.
The cross humbles man.
The cross says:
You are not your own saviour.
Your goodness is not enough.
Your wisdom is not enough.
Your religion is not enough.
Your morality is not enough.
Your strength is not enough.
You are bitten by sin, and you need Christ.
Paul says:
“For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are saved it is the power of God.”
The cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.
But to those being saved, it is the power of God.
Paul continues:
“For Jews ask for signs, Greeks seek after wisdom,
but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews, and foolishness to Greeks,
but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
Christ crucified is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Do not reject the cure because it humbles you.
That humility is mercy.
There is another important part of the story.
The bronze serpent was originally given by God as a means of healing in Numbers 21.
But many years later, Israel turned it into an idol.
King Hezekiah destroyed it.
“Now in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign.
He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Abi the daughter of Zechariah.
He did that which was right in Yahweh’s eyes, according to all that David his father had done.
He removed the high places, broke the pillars, cut down the Asherah, and broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made; for in those days the children of Israel burned incense to it. It was called Nehushtan.”
This is a serious warning.
Something God once used became an idol when people misused it.
The bronze serpent was never meant to be worshipped.
It was meant to point to God’s mercy.
But Israel began burning incense to it.
Hezekiah broke it in pieces.
This teaches us that even religious objects, traditions, and memories can become idols.
A church building can become an idol.
A ministry can become an idol.
A preacher can become an idol.
A worship style can become an idol.
A relic can become an idol.
A past move of God can become an idol if people worship the memory instead of the living God.
God’s people must not worship the instrument.
We worship the Lord.
The bronze serpent pointed forward to Christ.
Once Christ has come, we do not look to bronze.
We look to Jesus.
The cross looked like shame.
To the world, crucifixion was humiliation.
Jesus was mocked, stripped, beaten, nailed, and lifted up publicly.
But in that place of shame, God revealed His glory.
“Jesus answered them, ‘The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.’”
Jesus speaks of His death as His glorification.
The world saw defeat.
God revealed victory.
The world saw weakness.
God revealed power.
The world saw shame.
God revealed love.
The world saw a criminal’s cross.
God revealed the Lamb of God taking away the sin of the world.
“The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’”
Behold the Lamb.
Look and live.
Jesus said:
“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
The lifted Christ draws sinners.
Not by entertainment.
Not by manipulation.
Not by worldly power.
Not by human pride.
By the cross.
The cross draws the guilty because there they see forgiveness.
The cross draws the broken because there they see love.
The cross draws the condemned because there they see atonement.
The cross draws the dying because there they see life.
The cross draws the humble because there they see mercy.
Paul said:
“But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
Boast only in the cross.
A bitten Israelite who looked at his wound would only see death.
If he looked at his pain, he would fear.
If he looked at other dying people, he would despair.
If he looked at the snakes, he would panic.
If he looked at himself, he would know he was helpless.
He had to look away from himself to God’s provision.
That is the Gospel.
Do not look at your own righteousness.
It is not enough.
Do not look at your sin as if it is greater than Christ.
Look to Jesus.
Do not look at your feelings.
They change.
Look to Jesus.
Do not look at other people.
They may fail.
Look to Jesus.
Do not look at the church as your saviour.
Look to Jesus.
Do not look at your past.
Look to Jesus.
“Look to me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.”
Look to Me and be saved.
All the ends of the earth.
There is no other God.
There is no other Saviour.
The Israelites were not told, “The snakebite is not serious.”
They were told to look because they were dying.
The Gospel does not begin by saying sin is harmless.
It says sin is deadly.
“As it is written, ‘There is no one righteous; no, not one.
There is no one who understands.
There is no one who seeks after God.
They have all turned away.
They have together become unprofitable.
There is no one who does good, no, not so much as one.’
‘Their throat is an open tomb.
With their tongues they have used deceit.’
‘The poison of vipers is under their lips.’
‘Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.’
‘Their feet are swift to shed blood.
Destruction and misery are in their ways.
The way of peace, they haven’t known.’
‘There is no fear of God before their eyes.’”
Notice the phrase:
“The poison of vipers is under their lips.”
Sin is like venom.
It poisons speech.
It poisons desire.
It poisons relationships.
It poisons worship.
It poisons the mind.
It poisons society.
That is why we need more than self-help.
We need salvation.
Jesus connected the bronze serpent directly to eternal life.
“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
The Israelites who looked were given physical life.
Those who believe in Jesus receive eternal life.
That is greater.
A healed Israelite would still one day physically die.
But the believer in Christ receives life that death cannot destroy.
Jesus said:
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies.
Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’”
Jesus asks:
“Do you believe this?”
That is the question today.
Do you believe Jesus is the lifted-up Son of Man?
Do you believe He bore sin?
Do you believe He rose from the dead?
Do you believe He is the only Saviour?
Will you look to Him and live?
The bitten Israelites could not delay forever.
The venom was working.
Death was spreading.
If they said, “I will look tomorrow,” tomorrow might not come.
The same is true spiritually.
The Bible says:
“For he says, ‘At an acceptable time I listened to you. In a day of salvation I helped you.’ Behold, now is the acceptable time. Behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Now is the day of salvation.
Not later.
Not when life is easier.
Not when you feel ready.
Not when you have cleaned yourself up.
Not after one more season of sin.
Now.
Hebrews says:
“While it is said, ‘Today if you will hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts, as in the rebellion.’”
Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart.
This story also speaks to believers.
Israel’s sin began with discouragement and complaint.
They became impatient in the journey.
They despised God’s provision.
They spoke against God and Moses.
So we must ask ourselves:
Have I become discouraged in the journey?
Have I complained against God?
Have I despised the manna God has given me?
Have I accused God because life is hard?
Have I forgotten Egypt’s slavery and romanticised the old life?
Have I become ungrateful?
The Bible says:
“Let’s not test Christ, as some of them tested, and perished by the serpents.
Don’t grumble, as some of them also grumbled, and perished by the destroyer.
Now all these things happened to them by way of example, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come.”
Paul says this story was written for our warning.
Do not test Christ.
Do not grumble.
These things happened as examples for us.
The wilderness generation is a warning to the church.
Complaint opens the heart to bitterness.
Gratitude guards the heart.
Paul says:
“Always rejoice.
Pray without ceasing.
In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.”
In everything give thanks.
Not for every evil thing as if evil is good.
But in every circumstance, trust God and give thanks.
Paul also says:
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.
Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Be thankful.
Let the Word of Christ dwell richly.
Thankfulness helps keep us from despising God’s manna.
Moses lifted up the bronze serpent where people could see.
The church must lift up Christ.
Not ourselves.
Not our ministry name.
Not our denomination.
Not our politics.
Not our personality.
Not entertainment.
Not human wisdom.
Lift up Christ crucified and risen.
Paul said:
“When I came to you, brothers, I didn’t come with excellence of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.
For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.
My speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
that your faith wouldn’t stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
Paul determined to preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
That is the message dying people need.
A snake-bitten camp does not need motivational speeches.
It needs the cure lifted up.
A sinful world does not need self-help without salvation.
It needs Christ crucified.
The bronze serpent teaches us:
Sin is deadly.
God is holy.
Judgment is real.
Confession is necessary.
Intercession is merciful.
God provides the remedy.
The remedy must be received by faith.
Christ is the fulfilment.
Jesus was lifted up so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
So the call today is simple:
Look and live.
Are you bitten by sin?
Look to Christ.
Are you guilty?
Look to Christ.
Are you ashamed?
Look to Christ.
Are you dying spiritually?
Look to Christ.
Have you complained against God?
Look to Christ.
Have you despised His provision?
Look to Christ.
Have you tried to save yourself?
Stop looking inward.
Look to Jesus.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him.
He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.”
Believe in Him.
Look to Him.
Live.
Israel sinned in the wilderness by speaking against God and despising His provision.
God sent fiery serpents, and many died.
The people confessed, “We have sinned.”
Moses prayed.
God commanded a bronze serpent to be lifted up.
Whoever looked lived.
Jesus said this pointed to Him.
As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of Man had to be lifted up.
Jesus was lifted up on the cross.
He bore our sin.
He became a curse for us.
He was wounded for our transgressions.
By His wounds we are healed.
Whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
Therefore:
Look to Jesus.
Trust Jesus.
Preach Jesus.
Worship Jesus.
Do not turn the instrument into an idol.
Do not complain against God.
Do not reject the only remedy.
Look and live.
Father God,
Thank You for the lesson of the bronze serpent. Thank You that even in judgment, You showed mercy. Thank You that when the people confessed their sin, You provided a way for them to live.
Lord Jesus, thank You that You were lifted up on the cross for sinners. Thank You that You bore our sins in Your body. Thank You that You became a curse for us. Thank You that by Your wounds we are healed.
Forgive us for our unbelief, complaining, bitterness, and pride. Forgive us for despising Your provision. Forgive us for looking to ourselves instead of looking to Christ.
Holy Spirit, fix our eyes on Jesus. Help every sinner look and live. Help every believer continue looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.
May we lift up Christ clearly so that others may see Him and be saved.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Main Scriptures: Leviticus 16, Isaiah 53, Hebrews 9–10
Sermon length: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
The Day of Atonement was the most solemn day in the life of Israel. It was not a day of entertainment. It was not a day of self-celebration. It was not a day where man stood before God boasting in his own goodness.
It was the day when Israel had to face the truth: sin separates man from God.
It was the day when the high priest entered the Holy of Holies, not with his own ideas, not with his own righteousness, not with his own emotions, but with blood.
It was the day when sin was confessed, blood was sprinkled, the sanctuary was cleansed, and the scapegoat carried the sins of the people away into the wilderness.
And all of it was pointing forward to Jesus Christ.
Because Leviticus 16 is not just an ancient religious ceremony. It is a shadow of the cross. It is a prophetic picture of the gospel. It shows us why Jesus had to die, why His blood matters, why He alone can cleanse us, and why He alone can carry our sins away.
The Day of Atonement teaches us this:
Man cannot walk into the presence of God casually.
Sin cannot be ignored.
Blood is required.
A priest is needed.
A substitute must stand in the place of the guilty.
And only God Himself can provide the final atonement.
Leviticus 16 begins with a warning.
Leviticus 16:1–2
“And the LORD spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the LORD, and died;
And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.”
This chapter begins after the death of Aaron’s two sons, Nadab and Abihu. They had approached God wrongly. They had offered strange fire. They treated holy things as common things. And they died before the Lord.
So before God explains the Day of Atonement, He first makes this clear: no one comes into My presence on their own terms.
That is where true worship begins. Not with man saying, “God must accept me as I am,” but with God saying, “You must come to Me the way I have provided.”
The Day of Atonement is about God making a way for sinful people to live in the presence of a holy God.
On the Day of Atonement, only one man could enter the Holy of Holies: the high priest.
Not the whole nation.
Not the elders.
Not the kings.
Not the prophets.
Only the high priest.
He represented the people before God.
Leviticus 16:3–4
“Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering.
He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.”
Notice the preparation.
Aaron could not enter any time he wanted.
He could not wear whatever he wanted.
He could not bring whatever sacrifice he wanted.
He had to wash.
He had to wear holy garments.
He had to bring blood.
He had to follow God’s command exactly.
The high priest had to be cleansed before he could intercede for others. And even then, he was still a sinful man. He had to offer sacrifice first for himself before he could offer sacrifice for the people.
Leviticus 16:6
“And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house.”
That is important.
Aaron was a priest, but Aaron was not sinless.
Aaron could represent the people, but he also needed mercy.
Aaron could enter the Holy of Holies, but only with blood.
Aaron could intercede, but only temporarily.
This is why the Old Testament priesthood was never the final answer. It was a signpost. It pointed to a greater priest.
The book of Hebrews explains this.
Hebrews 5:1–3
“For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:
Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.
And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.”
The earthly high priest had weakness. He had sin. He had to offer again and again.
But Jesus is different.
Hebrews 7:26–27
“For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.”
Jesus is the High Priest who does not need cleansing from sin, because He has no sin.
Aaron entered with another creature’s blood.
Jesus entered by His own blood.
Aaron entered once a year.
Jesus entered once for all.
Aaron stood in an earthly tabernacle.
Jesus entered the true heavenly presence of God.
Aaron’s priesthood continued because priests died.
Jesus lives forever.
Hebrews 7:24–25
“But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
That means our salvation does not rest on a dead priest, a yearly ceremony, or an earthly temple.
Our salvation rests on the living Christ.
Jesus is not only the sacrifice.
Jesus is also the priest.
He is the One who offers.
He is the One who intercedes.
He is the One who carries our case before the Father.
The Day of Atonement was soaked in the language of blood.
Modern man often wants a bloodless religion. A religion of advice. A religion of positive thinking. A religion of morality. A religion of self-improvement.
But the Bible says sin is not solved by advice. Sin is not removed by human effort. Sin is not cleansed by pretending it is not there.
Sin requires atonement.
Leviticus 16:14–16
“And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times.
Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail... and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:
And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel.”
The blood was brought within the veil. It was sprinkled before the mercy seat. The mercy seat sat above the ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the reminders of God’s covenant and man’s failure.
The law was there.
The testimony was there.
The holiness of God was there.
And above it was the mercy seat.
The blood came between the law that condemned man and the presence of God.
This is why Leviticus says:
Leviticus 17:11
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.”
The blood represents life. A life is given in place of the guilty.
The message is clear: sin brings death, but God allows a substitute.
This is the foundation of the gospel.
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
The wages of sin is not embarrassment.
The wages of sin is not inconvenience.
The wages of sin is death.
But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 9:22
“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.”
Without shedding of blood, there is no remission.
That means sin cannot simply be waved away. God is merciful, but His mercy is not lawless. God is loving, but His love does not deny justice. God forgives, but forgiveness is not pretending evil does not matter.
At the cross, mercy and justice meet.
Psalm 85:10
“Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”
At Calvary, God does not ignore sin.
He judges sin.
But He judges it in the body of His own Son.
Jesus did not die as a mere example.
He did not die as a political martyr.
He did not die only to show us how cruel mankind can be.
He died as the Lamb of God.
John the Baptist understood this when he saw Jesus.
John 1:29
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
Behold the Lamb.
Not behold the philosopher.
Not behold the revolutionary.
Not behold the teacher only.
Not behold the moral reformer.
Behold the Lamb of God.
The Day of Atonement teaches us that blood must be shed. The gospel reveals that the blood is Christ’s.
1 Peter 1:18–19
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold...
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
We are not redeemed by money.
We are not redeemed by family name.
We are not redeemed by religious works.
We are not redeemed by our own suffering.
We are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ.
One of the most powerful pictures in Leviticus 16 is the two goats.
Leviticus 16:7–10
“And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD’s lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering.
But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.”
There were two goats, but one atonement picture.
The first goat was killed. Its blood was brought into the Holy of Holies.
The second goat was kept alive. The sins of the people were confessed over it, and it was sent away into the wilderness.
One goat shows the price of sin: death and blood.
The other goat shows the removal of sin: carried away and seen no more.
Both point to Jesus.
Jesus dies for sin.
Jesus also carries sin away.
Let us read what happened to the scapegoat.
Leviticus 16:20–22
“And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place... he shall bring the live goat:
And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins...
And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited.”
Notice the words:
“All the iniquities.”
“All their transgressions.”
“All their sins.”
Nothing is hidden. Nothing is renamed. Nothing is excused.
The high priest lays both hands on the head of the goat and confesses the sins of Israel. The guilt is symbolically transferred. Then the goat bears those sins away into a land not inhabited.
This is substitution.
The innocent bears what belongs to the guilty.
Isaiah 53 takes this picture and points it directly toward the suffering Messiah.
Isaiah 53:4–6
“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way;
and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
This is the gospel in the prophet Isaiah.
He has borne our griefs.
He has carried our sorrows.
He was wounded for our transgressions.
He was bruised for our iniquities.
The Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
That is the language of the scapegoat fulfilled in Christ.
Jesus did not carry His own sin.
He had none.
He carried ours.
2 Corinthians 5:21
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Jesus knew no sin.
But He was made sin for us.
He stood in the place of sinners.
He bore the judgment.
He carried the guilt.
He took what belonged to us so that we could receive what belongs to Him.
This is why the cross is not only an act of love. It is also an act of exchange.
Our sin placed on Christ.
His righteousness given to us.
Our guilt carried away.
His peace given to our conscience.
Our shame removed.
His acceptance given before the Father.
The psalmist says:
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”
That is the scapegoat picture. Sin removed. Sin carried away. Sin no longer counted against those who are covered by the blood.
The blood was sprinkled on and before the mercy seat.
The mercy seat was the place of meeting. God said to Moses:
Exodus 25:21–22
“And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.
And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat.”
“There I will meet with thee.”
That is powerful.
God does not meet sinful man on the basis of man’s innocence.
God meets man at the mercy seat.
God meets man where blood has been sprinkled.
God meets man where atonement has been made.
This points us to Jesus.
Romans 3:23–25
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood.”
All have sinned.
All have come short.
But God has set forth Jesus as the propitiation through faith in His blood.
That word “propitiation” speaks of satisfaction, mercy, atonement. It is the place where wrath is dealt with and mercy is given.
Jesus is our mercy seat.
We do not meet God through our own goodness.
We do not meet God through our own religious performance.
We do not meet God through pretending we have not sinned.
We meet God through Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 2:5–6
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”
There is one mediator.
Not many.
Not endless priests.
Not human traditions.
Not angels.
Not saints.
Not self-righteousness.
One mediator between God and men: Christ Jesus.
The high priest in Leviticus could only enter once a year. But Jesus has opened the way permanently.
When Jesus died, something happened in the temple.
Matthew 27:50–51
“Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.”
The veil was torn.
Not from bottom to top, as though man tore his way up to God.
From top to bottom, because God opened the way down to man.
The veil that separated sinful man from the Holy of Holies was torn because the true atonement had been made.
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 10:19–22
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
And having an high priest over the house of God;
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.”
We enter by the blood of Jesus.
Not by arrogance.
Not by presumption.
Not by religious pride.
But by blood-bought confidence.
The same God who said to Aaron, “Do not come at all times into the holy place,” now says through Christ, “Draw near.”
That is the miracle of the gospel.
The Day of Atonement was not only about forgiveness. It was about cleansing.
Leviticus 16:30
“For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD.”
“To cleanse you.”
God does not merely want to cover a legal debt while leaving the heart untouched. He cleanses. He washes. He purifies.
The problem of sin is not only that we have done wrong. It is that sin defiles. Sin stains the conscience. Sin pollutes the heart. Sin enters the camp, the home, the mind, the body, the relationships, the worship, and even the land.
This is why cleansing is such a major theme in Scripture.
David prayed:
Psalm 51:1–2
“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness:
according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.”
And again:
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
David did not only ask for the record to be changed. He asked for the heart to be changed.
This is what Jesus does.
1 John 1:7
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another,
and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.
Not some sin.
Not respectable sin.
Not religious-looking sin.
All sin.
Hebrews goes even deeper. The blood of bulls and goats could cleanse outwardly under the law, but the blood of Jesus cleanses the conscience.
Hebrews 9:13–14
“For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
How much more shall the blood of Christ... purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”
This is one of the greatest promises in Scripture.
The blood of Christ purges the conscience.
Many people are forgiven but still live as if they are chained to their past. They believe Jesus died, but they still carry the shame like the scapegoat never left the camp. They confess Christ, but they still live as though the blood was not enough.
But the gospel says the blood of Jesus is enough to cleanse the conscience.
If God has cleansed you, do not keep calling unclean what God has washed.
If God has forgiven you, do not keep dragging back what Christ carried away.
If Jesus has borne your sin, do not keep wearing it like your permanent identity.
You may remember what you did, but you are not saved by forgetting. You are saved because God remembers your sins no more.
Hebrews 10:16–17
“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord...
And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.”
God does not have amnesia. He chooses not to hold your sins against you because they have been judged in Christ.
That is cleansing.
That is mercy.
That is atonement.
Leviticus 16 gives us the ritual.
Isaiah 53 gives us the Person.
The high priest, the blood, the sacrifice, and the scapegoat all point to the suffering servant of the Lord.
Isaiah says:
Isaiah 53:3
“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.”
Jesus was not received by the world with honour. He was rejected. He was mocked. He was despised. The holy One was treated like the guilty one.
Isaiah 53:5
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
Notice the substitution.
He was wounded — for our transgressions.
He was bruised — for our iniquities.
The punishment that brought peace — was upon Him.
By His stripes — we are healed.
Then Isaiah says:
Isaiah 53:7
“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth:
he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb,
so he openeth not his mouth.”
Jesus did not resist the cross because He knew why He came.
When Peter tried to defend Him with a sword, Jesus said:
Matthew 26:53–54
“Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?”
Jesus was not trapped.
Jesus was not powerless.
Jesus was not a victim of circumstances.
He willingly gave Himself.
John 10:17–18
“Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself.”
The Day of Atonement sacrifice was chosen and presented. Jesus willingly became the offering.
Isaiah continues:
Isaiah 53:10–12
“Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief:
when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin...
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied...
for he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great...
because he hath poured out his soul unto death:
and he was numbered with the transgressors;
and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
There it is again.
He shall bear their iniquities.
He poured out His soul unto death.
He was numbered with the transgressors.
He bare the sin of many.
He made intercession for the transgressors.
Jesus is the sacrifice.
Jesus is the sin-bearer.
Jesus is the intercessor.
Jesus is the fulfilment.
The Day of Atonement was repeated every year because it was not final. But Isaiah points to One whose suffering would satisfy God’s justice and bring many into righteousness.
The book of Hebrews explains Leviticus 16 through the finished work of Christ.
Hebrews 9:7
“But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood,
which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people.”
The high priest entered alone.
Once every year.
Not without blood.
Then Hebrews says that the old system was a figure, a shadow, a picture pointing forward.
Hebrews 9:11–12
“But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come,
by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands...
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood
he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.”
That phrase is glorious: eternal redemption.
Not temporary covering.
Not yearly postponement.
Not ceremonial cleansing only.
Eternal redemption.
The high priest under the law had to go in year after year. Jesus entered once.
The high priest brought the blood of animals. Jesus brought His own blood.
The high priest entered an earthly copy. Jesus entered heaven itself.
Hebrews 9:24
“For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true;
but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.”
Jesus appears in the presence of God for us.
That means if you belong to Christ, your case is not held together by your emotional strength. Your salvation is not dependent on your perfect memory, your perfect performance, or your perfect understanding.
Christ appears before God for you.
Your High Priest is in heaven.
Your sacrifice has been accepted.
Your sins have been carried away.
Your conscience can be cleansed.
Your access to God is open through Jesus.
Hebrews continues:
Hebrews 9:26–28
“But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many.”
Christ was once offered.
Not again and again.
Not partly done.
Not needing to be repeated.
Once.
He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
This is why the Christian does not need another Day of Atonement every year. We remember the cross, we proclaim the cross, we live under the power of the cross, but we do not repeat the sacrifice.
The sacrifice is finished.
Hebrews 10 makes the point even stronger.
Hebrews 10:1–4
“For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things,
can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
For then would they not have ceased to be offered?
because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.”
The law had a shadow.
A shadow has shape, but not the full substance.
A shadow can point, but it cannot save.
A shadow can show you something is coming, but it is not the thing itself.
The Day of Atonement was a shadow. Christ is the substance.
The sacrifices reminded Israel of sin every year. But they could not finally take sin away.
Why?
Because animal blood cannot fully deal with human guilt before God. Animals were not moral substitutes equal to man. They were God-given signs, teaching Israel that sin requires blood, substitution, priesthood, and cleansing.
But the final sacrifice had to be greater.
It had to be a true man, because man had sinned.
It had to be sinless, because a sinner cannot bear another sinner’s guilt.
It had to be appointed by God, because man cannot invent his own atonement.
It had to be of infinite worth, because sin against a holy God is no small thing.
That sacrifice is Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 10:10
“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
Once for all.
Hebrews 10:11–14
“And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God...
For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”
The Old Testament priest stood daily because the work was never finished.
But Jesus sat down.
A seated priest means the offering is complete.
The sacrifice has been accepted.
The work is finished.
On the cross, Jesus cried:
John 19:30
“It is finished.”
Not “I am finished.”
“It is finished.”
The debt is paid.
The sacrifice is offered.
The atonement is complete.
The blood has been shed.
The way is open.
The veil is torn.
The sin-bearer has carried the guilt away.
There is another detail in Leviticus 16 that points to Christ.
After the blood was brought into the sanctuary, the remains of the sin offering were taken outside the camp.
Leviticus 16:27
“And the bullock for the sin offering, and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy place,
shall one carry forth without the camp; and they shall burn in the fire their skins, and their flesh, and their dung.”
Hebrews applies this to Jesus.
Hebrews 13:11–12
“For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin,
are burned without the camp.
Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.”
Jesus suffered outside the gate.
He was rejected.
He was cast out.
He bore shame.
He was treated as unclean so that we could be made clean.
Then Hebrews says:
Hebrews 13:13
“Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.”
This means we do not follow Jesus only when it is popular. We follow Him even when the world rejects Him.
The cross is not fashionable.
Blood atonement is not popular with proud mankind.
Repentance is not popular.
Holiness is not popular.
The message that Jesus is the only way is not popular.
But salvation is outside the camp with Christ, not inside the approval of the world.
Jesus bore our shame outside the gate. Now we must not be ashamed of Him.
Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.”
The Day of Atonement was not only something the priest did. The people also had to respond.
Leviticus 16:29–31
“And this shall be a statute for ever unto you:
that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls,
and do no work at all...
For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you...
It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls.”
Two responses stand out:
They were to afflict their souls.
They were to rest from their work.
To afflict the soul means humility before God. It means repentance. It means not treating sin lightly. It means not laughing at the thing that required blood. It means grieving over evil, turning from sin, and humbling yourself before the Lord.
The gospel does not invite us to be casual about sin. It invites us to bring sin honestly to Christ.
Isaiah 55:6–7
“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts:
and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him.”
True faith includes repentance.
We do not come to Jesus saying, “Bless my sin.”
We come saying, “Wash me from my sin.”
We do not come saying, “Lord, excuse my darkness.”
We come saying, “Lord, bring me into the light.”
Acts 3:19
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.”
The second response was rest.
They were to do no work.
That is a powerful gospel picture.
On the Day of Atonement, the people did not cleanse themselves. The priest made atonement. The blood was applied. The scapegoat carried the sins away. The people humbled themselves and rested.
So it is with salvation.
We do not save ourselves by our own works.
We do not add to the blood of Jesus.
We do not complete the cross.
We receive what Christ has done.
Ephesians 2:8–9
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
This does not mean believers become lazy or disobedient. It means our obedience flows from salvation; it does not purchase salvation.
We work because we are saved.
We do not work in order to make Christ’s blood effective.
The Day of Atonement says: rest while the priest makes atonement.
The gospel says: rest in Christ, because your High Priest has finished the work.
Matthew 11:28–30
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me...
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
The Day of Atonement happened every year. That repetition was a reminder that the final sacrifice had not yet come.
But now Christ has come.
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 10:18
“Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.”
No more offering for sin.
That does not mean sin no longer matters. It means the true offering has already been made.
Jesus does not need to be sacrificed again.
His blood does not need to be improved.
His cross does not need to be repeated.
His work does not need man’s additions.
The new covenant is built on His finished atonement.
Jeremiah 31:33–34
“I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts;
and will be their God, and they shall be my people...
for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”
This is what the Day of Atonement pointed toward: not merely an annual ceremony, but a people truly forgiven, truly cleansed, and brought near to God.
Jesus said at the Last Supper:
Matthew 26:28
“For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
His blood establishes the new covenant.
Not the blood of bulls.
Not the blood of goats.
Not the blood sprinkled by Aaron.
The blood of Jesus Christ.
The Day of Atonement is not just theology for ancient Israel. It speaks directly to every human heart.
First, it tells us God is holy.
We cannot stroll into the Holy of Holies with dirty hands, proud hearts, and unrepentant lives. God is love, but God is holy love. God is merciful, but He is not morally careless.
Isaiah 6:3
“Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.”
Second, it tells us sin is serious.
If sin required blood, then sin is not a small matter. If Christ had to die, then we should never treat sin as harmless.
Third, it tells us God provides the sacrifice.
Abraham said to Isaac:
Genesis 22:8
“My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering.”
And in Jesus Christ, God has provided the Lamb.
Fourth, it tells us Jesus is enough.
You do not need another mediator.
You do not need another sacrifice.
You do not need another cleansing.
You need Christ.
Fifth, it tells us we can draw near.
Hebrews 4:14–16
“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God...
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Because of Jesus, the throne is not only a throne of judgment for the believer. It is a throne of grace.
Come boldly does not mean come arrogantly. It means come confidently through the blood.
The Day of Atonement also reminds us that every soul must deal with sin.
Either your sin is borne by Christ, or your sin remains on you.
There is no third option.
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 9:27
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”
Judgment is real.
But the next verse gives hope:
Hebrews 9:28
“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many;
and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”
Christ was once offered to bear sins.
The question is: has He borne yours?
Not, have you been religious?
Not, have you tried to be a good person?
Not, have you compared yourself with worse sinners?
Not, have you hidden your guilt well?
Has your sin been placed on Christ by faith?
Have you come to the true High Priest?
Have you trusted the blood?
Have you stopped trying to cleanse yourself?
Have you allowed the scapegoat, Christ Himself, to carry your guilt away?
1 John 2:1–2
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.
And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
And he is the propitiation for our sins.”
Jesus is our Advocate.
Jesus is our propitiation.
Jesus is our righteousness.
So let us bring it all together.
In Leviticus 16, the high priest enters the Holy of Holies.
In Jesus, our great High Priest enters heaven itself.
In Leviticus 16, blood is sprinkled before the mercy seat.
In Jesus, His own blood secures eternal redemption.
In Leviticus 16, one goat dies for sin.
In Jesus, the Lamb of God dies for the sin of the world.
In Leviticus 16, the scapegoat carries sin into the wilderness.
In Jesus, our sins are borne away as far as the east is from the west.
In Leviticus 16, the people are cleansed for one year.
In Jesus, the conscience is cleansed forever.
In Leviticus 16, the ceremony must be repeated.
In Jesus, the sacrifice is once for all.
In Leviticus 16, the veil remains.
In Jesus, the veil is torn.
In Leviticus 16, the people wait outside.
In Jesus, we are invited to draw near.
This is the Day of Atonement fulfilled.
Not in a temple made with hands.
Not by the blood of goats and calves.
Not by an earthly priest who also needs mercy.
But by Jesus Christ, the Son of God, crucified and risen, our High Priest forever.
Hebrews 10:19–23
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus...
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith...
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised.”
So today, draw near.
Draw near if you are guilty.
Draw near if you are ashamed.
Draw near if you are tired of carrying what Christ died to remove.
Draw near if your conscience is troubled.
Draw near if you have been trying to cleanse yourself.
Draw near if you have wandered.
Draw near if you need mercy.
But draw near only through Jesus.
For there is no other blood that cleanses.
No other priest who saves.
No other sacrifice that satisfies.
No other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.
Acts 4:12
“Neither is there salvation in any other:
for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Behold the Lamb of God.
Behold the High Priest.
Behold the blood.
Behold the mercy seat.
Behold the scapegoat who carries sin away.
Behold Jesus Christ, the fulfilment of the Day of Atonement.
Father, we thank You for the blood of Jesus Christ.
We thank You that You did not leave us in our sin.
We thank You that You provided the Lamb.
We thank You that Jesus is our High Priest, our sacrifice, our mediator, our sin-bearer, and our cleansing.
Lord, humble our hearts.
Teach us not to treat sin lightly.
Teach us not to trust in our own works.
Teach us to rest in the finished work of Christ.
Cleanse our consciences from dead works.
Wash us by the blood of the Lamb.
Help us draw near with full assurance of faith.
And help us live as people whose sins have been carried away.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main theme: Salvation is not found in religion, self-effort, human goodness, or man-made wisdom. Salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone.
The Christian faith is not first about a system. It is not first about a denomination. It is not first about rituals, buildings, traditions, or moral improvement.
The Christian faith is about a Person.
His name is Jesus Christ.
And salvation is not found outside of Him.
The Bible does not say that Jesus merely gives advice about salvation. It says He is the Saviour.
Matthew 1:21
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
Before Jesus was born, heaven announced His mission: He shall save His people from their sins.
Not merely from poverty.
Not merely from sadness.
Not merely from Roman oppression.
Not merely from social problems.
But from sin.
Because sin is mankind’s deepest problem.
Sin separates man from God.
Sin brings guilt.
Sin brings death.
Sin brings judgment.
Sin enslaves the soul.
Sin blinds the mind.
Sin hardens the heart.
Sin corrupts the world.
And no man can save himself from sin.
That is why Jesus came.
Luke 19:10
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Jesus came looking for the lost. He came not because mankind had climbed up to heaven, but because heaven came down to rescue mankind.
John 3:16–17
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through him might be saved.”
So today we are going to look at Jesus Christ and salvation through seven great truths:
The blood of Jesus.
Jesus the Lamb of God.
The cross of Christ.
The resurrection of Jesus.
Jesus our High Priest.
The name of Jesus.
And the second coming of Christ.
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is declaring one message: salvation belongs to the Lord, and it is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
The Bible begins with life, but very quickly it also reveals death.
In Genesis, God created man in His image. But man sinned. Adam and Eve disobeyed the command of God. And immediately shame entered the human story.
Genesis 3:7
“And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked;
and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.”
Man’s first response to sin was self-covering.
They tried to cover themselves with fig leaves.
That is what religion without Christ is. It is man trying to cover his own shame. Man trying to hide his own guilt. Man trying to make himself acceptable before God.
But fig leaves could not solve the problem.
So God Himself provided a covering.
Genesis 3:21
“Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.”
To make coats of skins, an animal had to die.
Blood was shed.
Right there in Genesis, after the first sin, God gives the first picture of substitution. The guilty are covered by the death of another.
Then in Genesis 4, we see Cain and Abel.
Genesis 4:3–5
“And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof.
And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect.”
Cain brought the fruit of the ground. Abel brought the firstlings of his flock.
Abel’s offering involved blood.
Hebrews explains why Abel’s offering was accepted.
Hebrews 11:4
“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain,
by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts:
and by it he being dead yet speaketh.”
Abel’s blood sacrifice pointed forward. It spoke of faith. It spoke of approach to God through sacrifice. It spoke of another life given.
But Hebrews also says something greater.
Hebrews 12:24
“And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant,
and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”
Abel’s blood cried from the ground after Cain murdered him. But Jesus’ blood speaks better things.
Abel’s blood cried for justice.
Jesus’ blood cries mercy.
Abel’s blood exposed murder.
Jesus’ blood provides forgiveness.
Abel’s blood testified against sin.
Jesus’ blood cleanses sin.
Then we come to the Passover.
Israel was enslaved in Egypt. God was about to judge Egypt. But He provided a way of escape through the blood of a lamb.
Exodus 12:5–7
“Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month:
and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.
And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses.”
The lamb had to be without blemish. The lamb had to die. The blood had to be applied.
It was not enough to admire the lamb.
It was not enough to own the lamb.
It was not enough to speak about the lamb.
The blood had to be applied to the door.
Then God said:
Exodus 12:12–13
“For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt...
and when I see the blood, I will pass over you,
and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you.”
“When I see the blood, I will pass over you.”
Not when I see your good intentions.
Not when I see your religious background.
Not when I see your family name.
Not when I see your nationality.
Not when I see your morality.
“When I see the blood.”
The blood was the dividing line between judgment and deliverance.
Then in Leviticus, God makes the meaning plain.
Leviticus 17:11
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood:
and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls:
for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.”
The life is in the blood. God gave blood upon the altar for atonement. A life given for a life.
And all this pointed forward to Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:18–19
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold...
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
We were not redeemed with silver and gold.
We were not redeemed with money.
We were not redeemed with human wisdom.
We were not redeemed with religious works.
We were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ.
The blood runs from Genesis to Revelation.
In Genesis, blood covers Adam and Eve.
In Exodus, blood protects Israel from judgment.
In Leviticus, blood makes atonement for the soul.
In the Gospels, Jesus sheds His blood on the cross.
In the Epistles, His blood redeems, justifies, cleanses, and brings peace.
In Revelation, the saints overcome by the blood of the Lamb.
Revelation 1:5
“Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.”
Revelation 7:14
“These are they which came out of great tribulation,
and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
Revelation 12:11
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb,
and by the word of their testimony;
and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
From the beginning to the end, the message is clear:
There is no salvation without the blood.
There is no cleansing without the blood.
There is no redemption without the blood.
There is no victory without the blood of Jesus.
The Bible does not only speak about blood. It speaks about the Lamb.
In Genesis 22, God tested Abraham.
He told Abraham to take Isaac, his beloved son, and offer him.
Genesis 22:2
“And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest,
and get thee into the land of Moriah;
and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.”
This is one of the deepest prophetic pictures in the Old Testament.
A father.
A beloved son.
Wood carried up a mountain.
A sacrifice.
A question about the lamb.
As Abraham and Isaac walked together, Isaac asked:
Genesis 22:7
“And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father:
and he said, Here am I, my son.
And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”
Where is the lamb?
That question echoes through the whole Bible.
Where is the lamb who can take away sin?
Where is the lamb who can satisfy justice?
Where is the lamb who can stand in the place of the guilty?
Where is the lamb who can provide salvation?
Abraham answered:
Genesis 22:8
“And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering.”
God will provide Himself a lamb.
That statement is prophecy.
At the last moment, God stopped Abraham.
Genesis 22:12–13
“And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him:
for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns:
and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.”
The ram died in the stead of Isaac.
That is substitution.
Isaac lived because another died in his place.
Then Abraham named the place.
Genesis 22:14
“And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh:
as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.”
The Lord will provide.
And many years later, near that same region, God did provide His own Son.
The Passover lamb pointed to Him.
The sacrificial lambs pointed to Him.
The suffering servant pointed to Him.
Isaiah 53 says:
Isaiah 53:4–7
“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows:
yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way;
and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth:
he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter.”
Jesus is the Lamb led to the slaughter.
He is the innocent One who bears the sins of the guilty.
Then in John’s Gospel, John the Baptist sees Jesus and declares the answer to Isaac’s ancient question.
Isaac asked, “Where is the lamb?”
John answers:
John 1:29
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith,
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
Behold the Lamb of God.
Not a lamb from Abraham’s flock.
Not a lamb from Israel’s Passover.
Not a lamb from the Levitical altar.
But the Lamb of God.
This Lamb does not only cover one household in Egypt.
This Lamb takes away the sin of the world.
And when we reach Revelation, we see heaven worshipping the Lamb.
Revelation 5:6
“And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne... stood a Lamb as it had been slain.”
Jesus appears in heaven as a Lamb that had been slain.
The wounds of the cross are not forgotten in heaven. The Lamb is worshipped because He was slain.
Revelation 5:9–12
“And they sung a new song, saying,
Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof:
for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood
out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests:
and we shall reign on the earth.
And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne...
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain
to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.”
Heaven does not move on from the Lamb. Heaven worships the Lamb.
The Lamb is the centre of salvation.
The Lamb is the centre of worship.
The Lamb is the centre of heaven.
The Lamb is the centre of the throne.
Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God.
If Jesus is the Lamb, then the cross is the altar.
The cross was not an accident.
The cross was not God losing control.
The cross was not merely the tragic death of a good man.
The cross was the eternal plan of God.
Peter preached:
Acts 2:22–24
“Ye men of Israel, hear these words;
Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs...
Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God,
ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Whom God hath raised up.”
Jesus was delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God.
Men were guilty for crucifying Him. But God was not surprised by it. The cross was planned before the foundation of the world.
Why did Jesus have to die?
Because all have sinned.
Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
Sin is universal. Every human being has sinned. Some sins are outward. Some are hidden. Some are loud. Some are respectable. But all have sinned.
And sin deserves judgment.
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death;
but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
The wages of sin is death.
This is why Jesus had to die: because sin brings death, and Jesus came to bear sin.
2 Corinthians 5:21
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Jesus knew no sin.
He did not sin in thought.
He did not sin in word.
He did not sin in action.
He did not sin in secret.
He did not sin under pressure.
He did not sin under temptation.
He was holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners.
Yet He was made sin for us.
Not because He became evil in His nature, but because our sin was laid upon Him. He stood legally, covenantally, sacrificially in the place of sinners.
This is substitution.
1 Peter 2:24
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree,
that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness:
by whose stripes ye were healed.”
He bore our sins in His own body on the tree.
The cross is personal.
He bore my sin.
He bore your sin.
He bore the sin of all who believe.
He bore the curse.
He bore the wrath.
He bore the shame.
He bore the judgment.
Galatians 3:13
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law,
being made a curse for us:
for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.”
Jesus became a curse for us.
That means the cross is where judgment and mercy meet.
God did not ignore sin.
God judged sin.
But He judged sin in the body of His Son.
Romans 3:24–26
“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood,
to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past...
To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness:
that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”
At the cross, God is both just and the justifier.
He is just because sin is punished.
He is the justifier because sinners are forgiven through faith in Jesus.
This is not cheap forgiveness. This is blood-bought forgiveness.
Ephesians 1:7
“In whom we have redemption through his blood,
the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”
The cross also reveals the love of God.
Romans 5:8–9
“But God commendeth his love toward us,
in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood,
we shall be saved from wrath through him.”
Christ died for us while we were yet sinners.
Not after we cleaned ourselves up.
Not after we proved ourselves worthy.
Not after we earned divine attention.
While we were sinners, Christ died for us.
The cross is also victory over Satan.
Colossians 2:13–15
“And you, being dead in your sins... hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us...
and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly,
triumphing over them in it.”
At the cross, Jesus disarmed principalities and powers.
Satan’s accusations are answered by the blood.
The record of debt is nailed to the cross.
The handwriting against us is taken out of the way.
The powers of darkness are defeated.
Hebrews 2:14–15
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood,
he also himself likewise took part of the same;
that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
Jesus defeated death by dying.
He destroyed the devil’s power by going to the cross.
He delivered those who were in bondage through fear of death.
So the cross is not defeat. The cross is victory.
It is the place where wrath was satisfied, mercy was released, forgiveness was purchased, Satan was defeated, and sinners were reconciled to God.
John 19:30
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished:
and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”
It is finished.
The price is paid.
The blood is shed.
The sacrifice is complete.
The debt is cancelled.
The way is open.
But Jesus did not remain in the grave.
A dead saviour cannot save.
A dead king cannot reign.
A dead priest cannot intercede.
A dead lamb cannot conquer.
But Jesus rose from the dead.
The angel said:
Matthew 28:5–6
“Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.
Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
“He is not here: for he is risen.”
That is the announcement that changed the world.
The grave was empty.
The stone was rolled away.
Death had been conquered.
The sacrifice had been accepted.
The Son of God was vindicated.
Paul says the resurrection is essential to the gospel.
1 Corinthians 15:3–4
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received,
how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
Christ died.
Christ was buried.
Christ rose again.
That is the gospel.
Then Paul says:
1 Corinthians 15:14
“And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.”
And again:
1 Corinthians 15:17
“And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.”
If Jesus did not rise, there is no Christianity.
If Jesus did not rise, the cross was not accepted.
If Jesus did not rise, death still wins.
If Jesus did not rise, we are still in our sins.
But Paul declares:
1 Corinthians 15:20–22
“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
Christ is the firstfruits.
That means His resurrection is the beginning of the harvest. Because He rose, those who belong to Him will also rise.
The resurrection of Jesus is not only proof that He is alive. It is the guarantee of our future resurrection.
John 11:25–26
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life:
he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”
Jesus does not only give resurrection. He is the resurrection.
Death is real, but death does not have the final word over the believer.
Romans 6:4–5
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:
that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father,
even so we also should walk in newness of life.
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death,
we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”
The resurrection gives us new life now and future resurrection later.
We are raised spiritually now to walk in newness of life.
We will be raised bodily when Christ returns.
Paul says:
1 Corinthians 15:54–57
“So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption,
and this mortal shall have put on immortality,
then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written,
Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Death is swallowed up in victory.
The grave is not the end for the believer.
The coffin is not the final chapter.
The cemetery is not the final address.
Jesus rose, and because He lives, we shall live also.
John 14:19
“Because I live, ye shall live also.”
That is resurrection hope.
Salvation is not only about a sacrifice. It is also about a priest.
In the Old Testament, the priest stood between God and the people. He offered sacrifices. He represented the people before God. He carried blood into the holy place.
Aaron was the first high priest under the law.
But Aaron was sinful. Aaron died. His priesthood had to continue through others.
The Bible points us to a greater priesthood through Melchizedek.
In Genesis 14, after Abraham rescued Lot, Melchizedek appeared.
Genesis 14:18–20
“And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine:
and he was the priest of the most high God.
And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand.”
Melchizedek was both king and priest.
Psalm 110 prophesied that the Messiah would be a priest after the order of Melchizedek.
Psalm 110:1, 4
“The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand,
until I make thine enemies thy footstool.”
“The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent,
Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”
The Messiah would be a priest forever.
Hebrews applies this to Jesus.
Hebrews 4:14–16
“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens,
Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Jesus is our great High Priest.
He passed into the heavens.
He understands our weakness.
He was tempted, yet without sin.
He opens the way to the throne of grace.
This means the believer is not alone.
When you are weak, Christ intercedes.
When you are tempted, Christ understands.
When you fail, Christ is your advocate.
When you pray, Christ brings you near.
When your conscience trembles, Christ’s blood speaks.
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 7:24–25
“But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him,
seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
He is able to save to the uttermost.
Not halfway.
Not temporarily.
Not weakly.
Not uncertainly.
To the uttermost.
Why?
Because He ever lives to make intercession.
Jesus died once, rose again, ascended into heaven, and now intercedes for His people.
Romans 8:33–34
“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect?
It is God that justifieth.
Who is he that condemneth?
It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again,
who is even at the right hand of God,
who also maketh intercession for us.”
Who can condemn the believer?
Christ died.
Christ rose.
Christ is at the right hand of God.
Christ intercedes.
Hebrews also tells us that Jesus entered the true holy place with His own blood.
Hebrews 9:11–12
“But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come,
by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands...
Neither by the blood of goats and calves,
but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place,
having obtained eternal redemption for us.”
Aaron entered with animal blood.
Jesus entered with His own blood.
Aaron entered once a year.
Jesus entered once for all.
Aaron entered an earthly sanctuary.
Jesus entered heaven itself.
Hebrews 9:24
“For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands,
which are the figures of the true;
but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.”
Jesus appears in the presence of God for us.
That means salvation is secure in Him.
Your salvation does not rest on your emotional strength.
It does not rest on your ability to explain every doctrine perfectly.
It does not rest on your memory.
It does not rest on your religious performance.
It rests on the finished work and ongoing intercession of Jesus Christ.
The name of Jesus is not a magic word. It is the revelation of who He is.
His name means Saviour.
Matthew 1:21
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people from their sins.”
There is salvation in His name.
Peter preached:
Acts 4:10–12
“Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel,
that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead...
Neither is there salvation in any other:
for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
There is no other name.
Not Buddha.
Not Mohammed.
Not Caesar.
Not self.
Not money.
Not government.
Not religion.
Not priesthood.
Not philosophy.
There is one saving name: Jesus Christ.
The name of Jesus carries authority.
After Jesus rose from the dead, He said:
Matthew 28:18–20
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”
All authority belongs to Him.
He has authority over heaven and earth.
Authority over sin.
Authority over demons.
Authority over sickness.
Authority over death.
Authority over judgment.
Authority over the church.
Authority over the nations.
In Acts, the apostles ministered in the name of Jesus.
Acts 3:6
“Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none;
but such as I have give I thee:
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”
The lame man was healed in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
Peter later explained:
Acts 3:16
“And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong,
whom ye see and know:
yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.”
There is power in the name of Jesus, but it is not mechanical. It is through faith in His name.
The name of Jesus must be confessed.
Romans 10:9–13
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,
and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead,
thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness;
and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
The believer confesses Jesus as Lord.
Not merely Jesus as helper.
Not merely Jesus as teacher.
Not merely Jesus as example.
Jesus as Lord.
And one day every knee will bow to Him.
Philippians 2:8–11
“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself,
and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,
and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.”
Every knee will bow.
Believers bow now in worship and salvation.
Unbelievers will bow later in judgment.
But every knee will bow.
Jesus has the name above every name.
The church must never be ashamed of His name.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
We pray in His name.
We preach in His name.
We baptize in His name.
We suffer for His name.
We worship His name.
We are saved by His name.
The story of salvation does not end with Jesus rising from the dead and ascending to heaven. He is coming again.
The angels told the disciples:
Acts 1:9–11
“And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up;
and a cloud received him out of their sight.
And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up,
behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven?
this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven,
shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”
This same Jesus shall come again.
Not a different Jesus.
Not a symbolic idea.
Not merely a spiritual influence.
This same Jesus.
Jesus Himself said:
John 14:2–3
“In my Father’s house are many mansions:
if it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again, and receive you unto myself;
that where I am, there ye may be also.”
“I will come again.”
The second coming of Christ is the hope of the church.
Paul wrote:
1 Thessalonians 4:16–18
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,
with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:
and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds,
to meet the Lord in the air:
and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”
The Lord Himself shall descend.
The dead in Christ shall rise.
Living believers shall be caught up.
We shall ever be with the Lord.
This is comfort for the believer.
But the return of Christ also means judgment.
2 Thessalonians 1:7–10
“The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God,
and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord,
and from the glory of his power;
When he shall come to be glorified in his saints.”
The same Jesus who saves is the Jesus who judges.
Today He is offered as Saviour.
When He comes, He comes also as Judge and King.
The Bible says:
Hebrews 9:27–28
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many;
and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”
He came the first time to bear sin.
He will appear the second time unto salvation for those who look for Him.
Revelation shows Him as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Revelation 19:11–16
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse;
and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True,
and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns...
And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood:
and his name is called The Word of God.
And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses...
And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written,
KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Jesus is not returning as a suffering servant to be crucified again. He is returning as King.
The Lamb is also the Lion.
Revelation 5:5
“Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed.”
The final result of salvation is restoration.
God will make all things new.
Revelation 21:1–5
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth:
for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away;
and there was no more sea.
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven...
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying,
Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them,
and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying,
neither shall there be any more pain:
for the former things are passed away.
And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.”
No more death.
No more sorrow.
No more crying.
No more pain.
No more curse.
No more sin.
No more separation.
Salvation ends in God dwelling with His people forever.
That is where the blood leads.
That is where the Lamb leads.
That is where the cross leads.
That is where the resurrection leads.
That is where the High Priest leads.
That is where the name of Jesus leads.
That is where the second coming leads.
God with His people forever.
After all this, the question is not merely, “Do you understand these doctrines?”
The question is: what have you done with Jesus Christ?
Have you trusted His blood?
Have you beheld Him as the Lamb of God?
Have you believed that He died in your place?
Have you received the power of His resurrection?
Have you come to Him as your High Priest?
Have you called upon His name?
Are you ready for His return?
The Bible says:
Acts 16:30–31
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Not believe in yourself.
Not trust your works.
Not trust your goodness.
Not trust your religion.
Not trust your feelings.
Trust Christ.
John 3:36
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life:
and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life;
but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
There are only two positions before God:
In Adam, or in Christ.
Under sin, or under grace.
In darkness, or in light.
Condemned, or justified.
Dead in sin, or alive in Christ.
Washed in the blood, or still bearing your own guilt.
Jesus said:
John 14:6
“I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Jesus is not one way among many.
He is the way.
He is not one truth among many.
He is the truth.
He is not one source of life among many.
He is the life.
So come to Him.
Come to the blood that cleanses.
Come to the Lamb who was slain.
Come to the cross where mercy and justice meet.
Come to the risen Christ who conquered death.
Come to the High Priest who intercedes.
Call upon the name that saves.
Prepare for the King who is coming.
Romans 10:13
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Whosoever.
That means the door is open.
That means the guilty can come.
That means the ashamed can come.
That means the broken can come.
That means the sinner can come.
That means the lost can come.
But you must come through Jesus.
There is no other blood.
No other Lamb.
No other cross.
No other resurrection.
No other High Priest.
No other saving name.
No other coming King.
Jesus Christ is salvation.
Father, we thank You for Jesus Christ, Your only begotten Son.
We thank You for His blood that cleanses us from sin.
We thank You for the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
We thank You for the cross, where Jesus died in our place.
We thank You for the resurrection, where death was defeated.
We thank You for our great High Priest, who ever lives to make intercession for us.
We thank You for the name of Jesus, the name above every name.
We thank You that Jesus is coming again as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Lord, bring every heart to repentance and faith.
Wash us in the blood of Jesus.
Teach us to trust not in ourselves, but in Christ alone.
Strengthen us to live for Him.
Prepare us for His return.
And may every knee bow, and every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main theme: The Old Testament is not disconnected from Jesus. It is filled with shadows, signs, patterns, and prophecies that find their fulfilment in Him.
Many people read the Old Testament and see only laws, sacrifices, temples, priests, judgments, wars, wilderness journeys, and strange ceremonies.
But Jesus taught us that the Old Testament points to Him.
After His resurrection, Jesus walked with two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They were confused. They knew Jesus had died. They had heard reports of the empty tomb. But they did not yet understand how the Scriptures fitted together.
Then Jesus opened the Old Testament to them.
Luke 24:27
“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.”
Beginning at Moses.
That means Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy all contain things concerning Jesus.
Later Jesus said:
Luke 24:44–45
“And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you,
that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses,
and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.”
The law, the prophets, and the psalms all point to Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul says:
Colossians 2:16–17
“Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday,
or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.”
The Old Testament shadows are not the final reality. Christ is the body. Christ is the substance. Christ is the fulfilment.
Hebrews also says:
Hebrews 10:1
“For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things,
can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.”
So today we are looking at eight Old Testament pictures fulfilled in Jesus:
The Passover and Jesus.
The Tabernacle and Jesus.
The Temple and the Body of Christ.
The Bronze Serpent and the Cross.
The Manna and Jesus the Bread of Life.
The Rock in the Wilderness.
The Cities of Refuge.
The Red Heifer and Cleansing.
And the message through all of them is this:
God was preaching Christ before Christ came in the flesh.
The Passover begins in Egypt.
Israel was enslaved. Pharaoh would not let God’s people go. Judgment was coming upon Egypt. But before judgment fell, God provided a way of escape.
That way was through the blood of a lamb.
Exodus 12:3–7
“Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying,
In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers,
a lamb for an house:
And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls...
Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year:
ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month:
and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.
And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses.”
Notice the details.
The lamb had to be without blemish.
The lamb had to be slain.
The blood had to be applied.
The family had to come under the blood.
It was not enough to admire the lamb.
It was not enough to own the lamb.
It was not enough to know about the lamb.
The blood had to be placed on the door.
Then God said:
Exodus 12:12–13
“For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night,
and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast;
and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.
And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are:
and when I see the blood, I will pass over you,
and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.”
“When I see the blood, I will pass over you.”
Not when I see your works.
Not when I see your nationality.
Not when I see your feelings.
Not when I see your religious effort.
Not when I see your family background.
“When I see the blood.”
The Passover was about judgment and deliverance.
Egypt was judged.
Israel was delivered.
The lamb died.
The firstborn lived.
The blood marked the people of God.
This points directly to Jesus Christ.
John the Baptist saw Jesus and said:
John 1:29
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith,
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
Jesus is not merely a teacher.
Jesus is not merely a prophet.
Jesus is not merely a moral example.
Jesus is the Lamb of God.
Paul says plainly:
1 Corinthians 5:7
“For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.”
Christ our Passover.
The Passover lamb was slain so Israel could escape judgment.
Jesus was slain so sinners could be saved from wrath.
The Passover blood was placed on wooden doorposts.
Jesus’ blood was shed on a wooden cross.
The Passover brought Israel out of Egypt.
Jesus brings us out of slavery to sin.
The Passover began a journey to the promised land.
Jesus begins in us a journey from death to life, from darkness to light, from this present evil world to the kingdom of God.
1 Peter 1:18–19
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold...
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
The blood of Jesus is our deliverance.
If you are under the blood, judgment passes over.
If you are under the blood, death has lost its final claim.
If you are under the blood, Pharaoh no longer owns you.
If you are under the blood, the world is not your master.
If you are under the blood, you belong to God.
After God delivered Israel from Egypt, He brought them to Mount Sinai. There He gave instructions for the tabernacle.
The tabernacle was a portable sanctuary, a dwelling place of God among His people.
Exodus 25:8–9
“And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.
According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle,
and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.”
The tabernacle shows us how a sinful people can approach a holy God.
Every part points us to Jesus.
There was one entrance into the outer court.
Jesus said:
John 10:9
“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved,
and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”
There are not many doors to God.
Jesus is the door.
Not religion.
Not philosophy.
Not self-improvement.
Not human goodness.
Jesus.
The first thing seen after entering the gate was the altar of sacrifice.
Exodus 27:1–2
“And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad...
And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof.”
The altar was the place of blood. The place of substitution. The place where the innocent died for the guilty.
This points to the cross.
Hebrews 9:22
“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood;
and without shedding of blood is no remission.”
You cannot come to God and bypass the altar.
You cannot have fellowship with God while rejecting the cross.
After the altar came the laver, where the priests washed.
Exodus 30:18–21
“Thou shalt also make a laver of brass...
For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat:
When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not.”
The altar speaks of blood.
The laver speaks of washing.
Jesus cleanses us by His blood and by His Word.
Ephesians 5:25–26
“Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.”
Inside the Holy Place was the golden candlestick, the lampstand.
Exodus 25:31
“And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold.”
The lamp gave light in the holy place.
Jesus said:
John 8:12
“I am the light of the world:
he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
Without Christ, man is in darkness.
With Christ, there is light.
There was bread continually before the Lord.
Exodus 25:30
“And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.”
Jesus said:
John 6:35
“I am the bread of life:
he that cometh to me shall never hunger;
and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”
Jesus is the bread that sustains the soul.
Before the veil stood the altar of incense.
Exodus 30:1
“And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon.”
Incense rose upward before God, pointing to prayer and intercession.
Psalm 141:2
“Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense;
and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”
Jesus is our intercessor.
Hebrews 7:25
“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him,
seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
The veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
Exodus 26:33
“And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches,
that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony:
and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy.”
The veil said: access is restricted. Sinful man cannot casually enter the presence of God.
But when Jesus died:
Matthew 27:50–51
“Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.”
The veil was torn from top to bottom. God opened the way.
Hebrews explains:
Hebrews 10:19–20
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us,
through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.”
Jesus’ flesh is the torn veil. Through His death, the way into God’s presence is opened.
Inside the Most Holy Place was the ark of the covenant, and above it was the mercy seat.
Exodus 25:21–22
“And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark...
And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat.”
God met man at the mercy seat, where blood was sprinkled.
This points to Christ.
Romans 3:24–25
“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood.”
Jesus is our mercy seat. He is the place where God’s justice is satisfied and mercy is given.
The tabernacle says one thing from beginning to end:
Come through the door.
Come by the altar.
Be washed.
Walk in the light.
Feed on the bread.
Depend on intercession.
Enter through the torn veil.
Meet God at the mercy seat.
And all of it is Jesus.
The tabernacle was later followed by the temple.
Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem, and the glory of God filled it.
1 Kings 8:10–11
“And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place,
that the cloud filled the house of the LORD,
So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud:
for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.”
The temple was the place of sacrifice, worship, prayer, and God’s presence among His people.
Solomon prayed:
1 Kings 8:27–30
“But will God indeed dwell on the earth?
behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?
Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant...
That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day...
and hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel.”
Solomon knew God could not be contained in a building. Yet God chose the temple as a place where His name would dwell.
Later, the prophet Ezekiel saw visions connected with a future temple and life-giving water flowing from it.
Ezekiel 47:1, 9
“Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house;
and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward...”
“And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth,
whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live.”
Water flowing from the temple. Life wherever the river goes.
Then Jesus comes, and He reveals that He Himself is the true temple.
John 2:19–21
“Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building,
and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
But he spake of the temple of his body.”
Jesus spoke of the temple of His body.
The temple was where God dwelt with man.
In Jesus, God dwelt with man in human flesh.
John 1:14
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,
and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,
full of grace and truth.”
The word “dwelt” carries the idea of tabernacling. God pitched His tent among us in Christ.
Jesus is the meeting place between God and man.
Jesus is the sacrifice.
Jesus is the priest.
Jesus is the presence.
Jesus is the glory.
Jesus is the temple.
Then, through Jesus, believers become God’s dwelling place by the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 3:16–17
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God,
and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy;
for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”
And again:
1 Corinthians 6:19–20
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you,
which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body,
and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
The church also is described as God’s dwelling.
Ephesians 2:19–22
“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners,
but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”
So the fulfilment grows:
The tabernacle showed God dwelling among Israel.
The temple showed God’s glory in Jerusalem.
Jesus is God dwelling bodily among men.
Believers are now temples of the Holy Spirit.
The church is a holy temple in the Lord.
And the final fulfilment is God dwelling with His people forever.
Revelation 21:3
“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying,
Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them,
and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.”
And in the New Jerusalem:
Revelation 21:22
“And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.”
In eternity, there is no need for a temple building, because God and the Lamb are the temple.
In Numbers 21, Israel sinned in the wilderness. They spoke against God and Moses.
Numbers 21:5–6
“And the people spake against God, and against Moses,
Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?
for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.
And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people,
and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.”
The serpent takes us back to Genesis. The serpent brought deception into the garden. Now fiery serpents bring death into the camp.
The people confessed their sin.
Numbers 21:7
“Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned,
for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee;
pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us.
And Moses prayed for the people.”
Then God gave a strange command.
Numbers 21:8–9
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole:
and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.
And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole,
and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man,
when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.”
They were not healed by medicine.
They were not healed by their own effort.
They were not healed by pretending they were not bitten.
They were healed by looking at what God lifted up.
Jesus Himself explains the fulfilment.
John 3:14–16
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,
even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
“As Moses lifted up the serpent.”
Jesus compares the bronze serpent to His own crucifixion.
The Israelites were bitten by serpents.
Mankind has been poisoned by sin.
The serpent was lifted on a pole.
Jesus was lifted on the cross.
The bitten Israelites had to look and live.
Sinners must look to Christ and live.
The bronze serpent had the likeness of the thing that judged them.
Jesus came in the likeness of sinful flesh, yet without sin.
Romans 8:3
“God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin,
condemned sin in the flesh.”
This is the simplicity of salvation.
Look and live.
Not climb and live.
Not earn and live.
Not suffer enough and live.
Not become religious enough and live.
Look to Christ.
Isaiah 45:22
“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth:
for I am God, and there is none else.”
The cross is God’s lifted remedy for sin-bitten humanity.
After the Passover and the Red Sea, Israel entered the wilderness. They soon complained of hunger.
Exodus 16:2–4
“And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:
And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt...
for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.
Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you.”
God rained bread from heaven.
Exodus 16:14–15
“And when the dew that lay was gone up,
behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing...
And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna:
for they wist not what it was.
And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat.”
The manna was daily provision. Israel could not store it up according to their own unbelief. They had to depend on God day by day.
God later explained why He fed them with manna.
Deuteronomy 8:3
“And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger,
and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know;
that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only,
but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.”
Man does not live by bread only.
Human life is more than physical survival. We need God. We need His Word. We need spiritual bread.
Jesus quoted this verse when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness.
Matthew 4:4
“But he answered and said, It is written,
Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
Then in John 6, Jesus reveals that the manna pointed to Him.
John 6:31–35
“Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written,
He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you,
Moses gave you not that bread from heaven;
but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven,
and giveth life unto the world.
Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life:
he that cometh to me shall never hunger;
and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”
Jesus is the true bread from heaven.
Manna sustained physical life for a season.
Jesus gives eternal life.
Manna came down from heaven.
Jesus came down from heaven.
Manna had to be received.
Jesus must be received by faith.
Manna was for the wilderness journey.
Jesus sustains His people through this world until they enter glory.
Jesus said:
John 6:48–51
“I am that bread of life.
Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
This is the bread which cometh down from heaven,
that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
I am the living bread which came down from heaven:
if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever:
and the bread that I will give is my flesh,
which I will give for the life of the world.”
Jesus satisfies the hunger of the soul.
The world offers bread that does not satisfy.
Sin offers temporary pleasure but leaves the soul empty.
Religion without Christ offers ritual but not life.
Money offers comfort but not salvation.
Entertainment offers distraction but not peace.
Jesus says, “I am the bread of life.”
Come to Him and live.
Israel also thirsted in the wilderness.
In Exodus 17, there was no water, and the people complained.
Exodus 17:3–6
“And the people thirsted there for water;
and the people murmured against Moses, and said,
Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?
And Moses cried unto the LORD...
And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people...
Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb;
and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it,
that the people may drink.”
Moses struck the rock, and water came out.
The rock was struck.
The people drank.
Life came from the smitten rock.
Paul tells us the meaning.
1 Corinthians 10:1–4
“Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant,
how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
And did all drink the same spiritual drink:
for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them:
and that Rock was Christ.”
That Rock was Christ.
Christ is the Rock who gives living water.
The rock was struck once, and water flowed.
Christ was struck at the cross, and living water flows to His people.
Isaiah prophesied:
Isaiah 53:4–5
“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows...
But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities.”
Jesus was struck for our salvation.
Later, in Numbers 20, Moses was told to speak to the rock, but he struck it twice in anger.
Numbers 20:8, 11–12
“Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together...
and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes;
and it shall give forth his water.”
“And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice:
and the water came out abundantly...
And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron,
Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel,
therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land.”
Why was this so serious?
Because the rock was not to be struck again. The picture mattered. Christ is not sacrificed again and again. He was struck once. Now we speak, ask, pray, and receive.
Hebrews 10:12
“But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever,
sat down on the right hand of God.”
Jesus also spoke of living water.
John 7:37–39
“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying,
If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said,
out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive.”
If any man thirst, let him come to Jesus.
The world is thirsty.
The soul is thirsty.
Sin dries up the heart.
False religion leaves people thirsty.
But Christ gives living water.
John 4:13–14
“Jesus answered and said unto her,
Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst;
but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”
Christ is the smitten Rock.
Christ is the living water.
Christ is the only One who satisfies the thirst of the soul.
In the law of Moses, God commanded Israel to establish cities of refuge.
These cities were for someone who killed another person unintentionally. They could flee there for safety until the case was judged.
Numbers 35:9–12
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them...
Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you;
that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.
And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger;
that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.”
This law upheld both justice and mercy.
It did not say bloodshed does not matter.
It did not say guilt is unimportant.
It did not say the victim’s life is worthless.
But it also provided mercy for the one who needed refuge.
Deuteronomy says:
Deuteronomy 19:3–4
“Thou shalt prepare thee a way...
that every slayer may flee thither.
And this is the case of the slayer, which shall flee thither, that he may live:
Whoso killeth his neighbour ignorantly, whom he hated not in time past.”
Joshua later appointed these cities.
Joshua 20:2–3
“Speak to the children of Israel, saying,
Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses:
That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither:
and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.”
The guilty person had to flee.
He could not delay.
He could not casually wander.
He could not say, “I will think about it later.”
He had to run to the city of refuge.
This points us to Christ.
We are guilty before God.
Judgment is real.
Death pursues every man.
The law exposes our guilt.
But God has provided refuge in Jesus.
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 6:18
“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie,
we might have a strong consolation,
who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.”
“Fled for refuge.”
That is city of refuge language.
The believer is one who has fled to Christ.
Not walked slowly.
Not admired from a distance.
Not planned to come someday.
Fled.
Because the matter is urgent.
Proverbs 18:10
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower:
the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”
Christ is our refuge.
The cities of refuge were accessible.
Christ is accessible to all who call upon Him.
The roads had to be prepared.
The gospel road is preached so sinners may run to Christ.
The manslayer had to remain in the city.
The believer must abide in Christ.
The city protected from the avenger.
Christ saves us from wrath.
Romans 5:9
“Much more then, being now justified by his blood,
we shall be saved from wrath through him.”
Do not stand outside the refuge and discuss the refuge.
Do not admire Christ from a distance.
Do not say, “I believe He is a good refuge,” while remaining outside.
Run to Christ.
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Jesus is the city of refuge for guilty souls.
The red heifer is one of the more unusual ceremonies in the Old Testament.
In Numbers 19, God gave instructions for purification from contact with death.
Numbers 19:2–3
“This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath commanded, saying,
Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot,
wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke:
And ye shall give her unto Eleazar the priest,
that he may bring her forth without the camp, and one shall slay her before his face.”
The red heifer had to be without spot and without blemish.
It was taken outside the camp.
It was slain.
Its ashes were used with water for purification.
Numbers 19:9
“And a man that is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer,
and lay them up without the camp in a clean place,
and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel
for a water of separation: it is a purification for sin.”
This ceremony dealt with defilement from death.
Death defiles because death is the result of sin.
Romans 5:12
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin;
and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”
The ashes of the red heifer were mixed with water and applied for cleansing.
Numbers 19:17–19
“And for an unclean person they shall take of the ashes of the burnt heifer of purification for sin,
and running water shall be put thereto in a vessel:
And a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water,
and sprinkle it upon the tent...
and upon him that touched a bone, or one slain, or one dead, or a grave.”
Hebrews directly mentions this purification and shows that Christ’s blood is greater.
Hebrews 9:13–14
“For if the blood of bulls and of goats,
and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean,
sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
How much more shall the blood of Christ,
who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God,
purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”
How much more.
The ashes of the heifer could purify the flesh ceremonially.
The blood of Christ purges the conscience.
The red heifer was without blemish.
Christ is without sin.
The red heifer was slain outside the camp.
Jesus suffered outside the gate.
Hebrews 13:11–12
“For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin,
are burned without the camp.
Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood,
suffered without the gate.”
The red heifer was connected to cleansing from death.
Jesus cleanses us from dead works and gives eternal life.
The red heifer’s ashes were applied with water.
Christ cleanses by His blood and His Spirit.
Titus 3:5–6
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us,
by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.”
The message is this:
Sin defiles.
Death defiles.
Dead works defile.
But Christ cleanses deeper than any Old Testament ceremony could cleanse.
He cleanses the conscience.
He cleanses the heart.
He cleanses the sinner before God.
1 John 1:7
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light,
we have fellowship one with another,
and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
All sin.
Not some.
Not only outward sin.
Not only ceremonial uncleanness.
All sin.
Let us bring it all together.
The Passover says: judgment is coming, but the blood of the Lamb saves.
Jesus is Christ our Passover.
The tabernacle says: there is a way into God’s presence.
Jesus is the door, the altar, the washing, the light, the bread, the intercessor, the veil, the ark, and the mercy seat.
The temple says: God desires to dwell with His people.
Jesus is the true temple, and believers become the dwelling place of God by the Spirit.
The bronze serpent says: sin has poisoned us, but God has lifted up the cure.
Jesus was lifted on the cross, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish.
The manna says: man does not live by bread alone.
Jesus is the bread of life from heaven.
The rock says: the thirsty soul needs living water.
Christ is the smitten Rock, and from Him flows the water of life.
The cities of refuge say: judgment pursues the guilty, but God has provided safety.
Jesus is our refuge.
The red heifer says: death and sin defile, but God provides cleansing.
Jesus cleanses the conscience from dead works by His own blood.
This is why Jesus said:
John 5:39
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life:
and they are they which testify of me.”
The Scriptures testify of Christ.
Moses points to Christ.
The sacrifices point to Christ.
The priesthood points to Christ.
The tabernacle points to Christ.
The wilderness points to Christ.
The temple points to Christ.
The feasts point to Christ.
The prophets point to Christ.
And now the question is not only, “Can we see Jesus in the Old Testament?”
The question is: have we come to Him?
Have you come under the blood of the Passover Lamb?
Have you entered through the door?
Have you come to the altar of the cross?
Have you been washed?
Have you looked to the One lifted up?
Have you eaten the bread of life?
Have you drunk from the living water?
Have you fled to the refuge?
Have you been cleansed by the blood of Christ?
Jesus said:
John 6:37
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me;
and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”
Come to Him.
Do not stay in Egypt when the Lamb has been slain.
Do not remain outside the tabernacle when the door is open.
Do not die of thirst when the Rock has been struck.
Do not starve when the Bread of Life has come down from heaven.
Do not perish from the serpent’s bite when Christ has been lifted up.
Do not stand outside the city of refuge when judgment is pursuing.
Do not carry uncleanness when Christ cleanses from all sin.
Come to Jesus.
Acts 4:12
“Neither is there salvation in any other:
for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
There is no other Saviour.
The Old Testament promised Him.
The Gospels reveal Him.
The apostles preach Him.
Heaven worships Him.
And one day every knee will bow before Him.
Philippians 2:10–11
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.”
Jesus is the fulfilment.
Jesus is the Lamb.
Jesus is the Priest.
Jesus is the Temple.
Jesus is the Bread.
Jesus is the Rock.
Jesus is the Refuge.
Jesus is the Cleanser.
Jesus is the Way to God.
Father, we thank You that You revealed Jesus throughout the Scriptures.
We thank You for the Passover Lamb, fulfilled in Christ.
We thank You for the tabernacle, fulfilled in Christ.
We thank You for the temple, fulfilled in Christ.
We thank You for the bronze serpent lifted up, fulfilled in Christ crucified.
We thank You for the manna from heaven, fulfilled in Jesus the Bread of Life.
We thank You for the rock in the wilderness, fulfilled in Christ our living water.
We thank You for the cities of refuge, fulfilled in Jesus our safety.
We thank You for the red heifer, fulfilled in the cleansing blood of Jesus.
Lord, open our understanding to see Christ in all the Scriptures.
Bring sinners under the blood.
Bring the thirsty to the Rock.
Bring the guilty to the refuge.
Bring the unclean to the cleansing of Christ.
And help us trust not in shadows, but in the substance.
Not in ceremonies, but in the Saviour.
Not in our own works, but in Jesus Christ alone.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main theme: Sin is man’s great problem, judgment is God’s
righteous response, repentance is God’s command, and mercy is found only in Jesus Christ.
Many people want a gospel without sin.
They want comfort without conviction.
They want heaven without holiness.
They want forgiveness without repentance.
They want mercy without judgment.
They want Jesus as helper, but not Jesus as Lord.
But the Bible never hides the truth about sin.
The gospel begins with the truth that man is not merely confused, wounded, or mistaken. Man is fallen. Man is guilty. Man is spiritually dead apart from God.
And this is why Jesus came.
Matthew 1:21
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people from their sins.”
Jesus came to save His people from their sins.
Not to bless sin.
Not to excuse sin.
Not to rename sin.
Not to make peace with sin.
But to save us from sin.
The angel did not say, “He shall save His people while leaving them in their sins.” He said, “He shall save His people from their sins.”
So today we must speak plainly about sin, repentance, judgment, and mercy.
Because if we do not understand sin, we will not understand the cross.
If sin is small, the cross seems unnecessary.
If sin is only weakness, then Jesus is only a helper.
If sin is only ignorance, then Jesus is only a teacher.
If sin is only sickness, then Jesus is only a healer.
But if sin is rebellion against a holy God, then Jesus is not merely helper, teacher, or healer.
He is Saviour.
He is sacrifice.
He is substitute.
He is Lord.
He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
John 1:29
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith,
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
The Bible describes sin in many ways because sin corrupts every part of man.
Sin is not only something we do. It is also something that rules, deceives, stains, blinds, and kills.
Sin began with rebellion against God.
In the garden, God gave Adam one command.
Genesis 2:16–17
“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying,
Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it:
for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”
But the serpent came and questioned God’s word.
Genesis 3:1
“Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?”
Then he denied God’s warning.
Genesis 3:4–5
“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened,
and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”
That is the heart of sin: man wants to be as God.
Man wants to decide good and evil for himself.
Man wants to rule his own life.
Man wants the gifts of God without submission to God.
Man wants creation without the Creator.
Man wants freedom without obedience.
Adam and Eve disobeyed.
Genesis 3:6–7
“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food,
and that it was pleasant to the eyes,
and a tree to be desired to make one wise,
she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat,
and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked.”
Sin brought shame, fear, hiding, blame, curse, and death.
Sin is rebellion against the rightful King.
The New Testament says:
1 John 3:4
“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law:
for sin is the transgression of the law.”
Sin is not merely a mistake. Sin is transgression. Sin crosses the line God has drawn.
God says, “Do not lie,” and man lies.
God says, “Do not steal,” and man steals.
God says, “Do not commit adultery,” and man commits adultery in body or in heart.
God says, “Do not covet,” and man covets.
God says, “Worship Me alone,” and man makes idols.
God says, “Love your neighbour,” and man hates, envies, slanders, and destroys.
Paul says:
Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
All have sinned.
Not some.
Not only criminals.
Not only people worse than us.
All.
And sin is measured not by comparing ourselves with other sinners, but by the glory of God.
Sin also defiles.
Isaiah said:
Isaiah 64:6
“But we are all as an unclean thing,
and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;
and we all do fade as a leaf;
and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”
Even man’s righteousness, apart from God, is polluted.
David prayed:
Psalm 51:2–3
“Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.”
David understood sin as a stain that needed washing.
Jesus also taught that uncleanness comes from within the human heart.
Mark 7:20–23
“And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye,
blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”
The problem is not only outside us. The problem is within.
Sin defiles the heart.
Sin promises freedom but produces bondage.
Jesus said:
John 8:34
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.”
Sin makes slaves.
A man may say, “I am free to do what I want.” But if what he wants is ruling him, he is not free.
The angry man is enslaved to anger.
The lustful man is enslaved to lust.
The greedy man is enslaved to greed.
The proud man is enslaved to pride.
The bitter man is enslaved to bitterness.
The liar is enslaved to deceit.
The drunkard is enslaved to drink.
The idolater is enslaved to his idol.
But Jesus said:
John 8:36
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
Only Jesus can break the chains of sin.
Sin also blinds the mind.
Paul says:
2 Corinthians 4:3–4
“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not,
lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
The sinner does not naturally see clearly.
He calls evil good.
He calls darkness light.
He calls bondage freedom.
He calls holiness oppression.
He calls repentance hatred.
He calls truth judgmental.
He calls God’s mercy unnecessary.
Isaiah warned:
Isaiah 5:20
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil;
that put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”
That is spiritual blindness.
Finally, sin is death.
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death;
but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Sin pays wages. The wages are death.
Paul says:
Ephesians 2:1–3
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world,
according to the prince of the power of the air...
Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh...
and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.”
Before Christ, man is not merely sick. He is dead in trespasses and sins.
Dead people need resurrection.
Blind people need sight.
Slaves need deliverance.
Unclean people need washing.
Rebels need reconciliation.
Guilty people need forgiveness.
And all of this is found in Jesus Christ.
Because sin is serious, God commands repentance.
Repentance is not just feeling sorry.
Repentance is not merely regret over consequences.
Repentance is not only crying because we were caught.
Repentance is a turning of the heart toward God. It is agreeing with God about sin. It is turning from sin and turning to the Lord.
A broad definition of repentance is "Change of mind, heart and/or spirit from unbelief to belief or belief to unbelief a
John the Baptist came preaching repentance.
Matthew 3:1–2
“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
John did not preach, “You are fine as you are.”
He did not preach, “God accepts rebellion.”
He did not preach, “No need to change.”
He preached, “Repent ye.”
He also said:
Matthew 3:8
“Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.”
True repentance bears fruit.
A person may say, “I repent,” but if there is no turning, no humility, no confession, no desire for God, then those words are empty.
Jesus Himself preached repentance.
Matthew 4:17
“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say,
Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
The first recorded summary of Jesus’ preaching in Matthew is repentance.
In Mark, Jesus said:
Mark 1:15
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand:
repent ye, and believe the gospel.”
Repent and believe.
Repentance and faith belong together.
To believe the gospel is not merely to add Jesus onto an unchanged rebellious life. It is to turn to Christ as Lord and Saviour.
Jesus warned:
Luke 13:3
“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
And again:
Luke 13:5
“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
Jesus repeated it because we must not miss it.
Except ye repent, ye shall perish.
After the resurrection, Jesus commanded that repentance be preached.
Luke 24:46–47
“Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer,
and to rise from the dead the third day:
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name
among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
Repentance and remission of sins are preached in His name.
The apostles preached the same message.
On the day of Pentecost, Peter said:
Acts 2:37–38
“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart,
and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles,
Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you
in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.”
Again Peter preached:
Acts 3:19
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted,
that your sins may be blotted out,
when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”
Paul preached repentance.
Acts 17:30–31
“And the times of this ignorance God winked at;
but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness
by that man whom he hath ordained.”
God now commands all men everywhere to repent.
Why?
Because judgment is coming.
Paul also said:
Acts 20:20–21
“I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you...
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks,
repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Repentance toward God. Faith toward Jesus Christ.
That is the gospel call.
Not repentance without faith, which becomes despair.
Not faith without repentance, which becomes empty profession.
But repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
One reason people do not repent is because they have lost the fear of the Lord.
The fear of the Lord is not unbelieving terror that runs away from God. It is holy reverence. It is trembling respect. It is knowing that God is God and man is not. It is understanding that God is holy, righteous, just, and true.
The Bible says:
Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom:
and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
No fear of the Lord means no true wisdom.
A person can be educated and still be foolish.
A person can be rich and still be foolish.
A person can be powerful and still be foolish.
A person can be religious and still be foolish.
Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.
Proverbs also says:
Proverbs 8:13
“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil:
pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.”
The fear of the Lord teaches us to hate evil.
Not hate people.
Not hate sinners as though we are better.
But hate evil because evil destroys what God loves.
The fear of the Lord produces holiness.
2 Corinthians 7:1
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved,
let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit,
perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
Holiness grows in the fear of God.
Jesus told us whom to fear.
Matthew 10:28
“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul:
but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
This is not a light verse. Jesus tells us not to fear man more than God.
Man can kill the body.
God can judge both soul and body.
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 10:31
“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
And again:
Hebrews 12:28–29
“Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved,
let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably
with reverence and godly fear:
For our God is a consuming fire.”
God is love, but God is also a consuming fire.
True worship requires reverence.
The fear of the Lord does not destroy joy. It purifies joy. It removes casual pride. It teaches us not to treat holy things as common things.
When Isaiah saw the Lord, he did not boast.
Isaiah 6:1–5
“I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up,
and his train filled the temple.
Above it stood the seraphims...
And one cried unto another, and said,
Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried,
and the house was filled with smoke.
Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone;
because I am a man of unclean lips.”
When Isaiah saw God’s holiness, he saw his own uncleanness.
That is what the fear of the Lord does. It opens our eyes. It humbles us. It prepares us for mercy.
The Bible is serious about sin and judgment. But it is also full of mercy.
God is not reluctant to forgive the repentant. He is rich in mercy.
Psalm 103:8–12
“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
He will not always hide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”
David sinned greatly. He committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged the death of Uriah.
When Nathan confronted him, David did not blame others. He confessed.
2 Samuel 12:13
“And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD.
And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.”
David’s repentance is recorded in Psalm 51.
Psalm 51:1–4
“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness:
according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight.”
David did not minimize sin. He cried for mercy.
And God forgave him.
Manasseh was one of Judah’s most wicked kings. He practiced idolatry, witchcraft, and shed innocent blood.
2 Chronicles 33:9
“So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err,
and to do worse than the heathen, whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel.”
But when God humbled him, Manasseh repented.
2 Chronicles 33:12–13
“And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God,
and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,
And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication,
and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom.
Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God.”
If God can show mercy to Manasseh, no sinner should think he is too far gone if he will truly humble himself before God.
Nineveh was a wicked city. Jonah preached judgment.
Jonah 3:4
“Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.”
But Nineveh repented.
Jonah 3:5
“So the people of Nineveh believed God,
and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.”
The king said:
Jonah 3:8–9
“Let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God:
yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.
Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?”
And God showed mercy.
Jonah 3:10
“And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way;
and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them;
and he did it not.”
God delights to show mercy to the repentant.
Jesus told of a son who left his father, wasted his inheritance, and ended in shame.
Luke 15:17–19
“And when he came to himself, he said,
How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him,
Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
And am no more worthy to be called thy son.”
He returned in repentance.
And the father ran to him.
Luke 15:20–24
“But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion,
and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight,
and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him...
For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.”
That is mercy.
The son came home with confession.
The father received him with compassion.
Peter denied Jesus three times.
Luke 22:60–62
“And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest.
And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.
And Peter remembered the word of the Lord...
And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.”
Peter failed badly. But Jesus restored him.
John 21:15–17
“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?
He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.
He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.”
Peter’s failure was not the end because Jesus is merciful.
One thief crucified beside Jesus turned to Him at the end of his life.
Luke 23:40–43
“But the other answering rebuked him, saying,
Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds:
but this man hath done nothing amiss.
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
The thief had no time to fix his past.
No time to perform religious works.
No time to prove himself.
But he feared God, admitted guilt, confessed Jesus’ innocence, and called on the Lord.
And Jesus saved him.
Romans 10:13
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
This is mercy.
If repentance leads to mercy, hardness of heart leads to destruction.
Hardness of heart is when a person hears God’s word but refuses to yield. Conviction comes, but pride resists. Warning comes, but the heart stiffens.
Pharaoh saw the power of God again and again, yet hardened his heart.
Exodus 8:15
“But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart,
and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.”
Again:
Exodus 8:32
“And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also,
neither would he let the people go.”
The result was judgment.
Hardness of heart is dangerous because each refusal makes the next refusal easier.
Israel saw miracles, yet hardened their hearts.
Psalm 95:7–11
“To day if ye will hear his voice,
Harden not your heart, as in the provocation,
and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.
Forty years long was I grieved with this generation...
Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.”
They saw the Red Sea open.
They ate manna from heaven.
They drank water from the rock.
They saw the cloud and fire.
Yet they hardened their hearts.
Miracles alone do not soften a proud heart.
The Pharisees saw Jesus heal, cast out demons, forgive sins, and raise the dead. Yet many hardened themselves against Him.
After Jesus healed a man with a withered hand, they plotted against Him.
Mark 3:4–6
“And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil?
to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.
And when he had looked round about on them with anger,
being grieved for the hardness of their hearts...
And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel... against him, how they might destroy him.”
Jesus was grieved by the hardness of their hearts.
Religious people can have hard hearts.
Bible readers can have hard hearts.
Churchgoers can have hard hearts.
Preachers can have hard hearts.
A hard heart is not only found in the streets. It can sit in the synagogue, in the temple, in the church, and still resist God.
Hebrews repeats the warning:
Hebrews 3:7–8
“Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation,
in the day of temptation in the wilderness.”
And again:
Hebrews 3:12–13
“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief,
in departing from the living God.
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day;
lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”
Sin hardens by deceit.
Sin says, “Later.”
Sin says, “You are fine.”
Sin says, “God will not judge.”
Sin says, “You can repent tomorrow.”
Sin says, “This is not serious.”
Sin says, “Your heart is not that bad.”
But the Holy Ghost says, “To day.”
Do not harden your heart.
Jesus did not preach an easy broad road to life. He warned that the way to life is narrow.
Matthew 7:13–14
“Enter ye in at the strait gate:
for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction,
and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life,
and few there be that find it.”
There are two gates.
Two ways.
Two destinations.
Two groups.
The broad way leads to destruction. Many walk there.
The narrow way leads to life. Few find it.
The broad way is popular.
The narrow way is Christ.
The broad way allows self-rule.
The narrow way requires surrender.
The broad way says, “Follow your heart.”
The narrow way says, “Follow Jesus.”
The broad way says, “All roads lead to God.”
Jesus says:
John 14:6
“I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
The narrow way is not narrow because God is unwilling to save. It is narrow because salvation is only through Christ.
Jesus also warned about false prophets.
Matthew 7:15–20
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing,
but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits...
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
False prophets often make the broad way sound religious.
They preach comfort without holiness.
Promises without repentance.
Blessing without obedience.
Jesus without the cross.
Heaven without judgment.
Love without truth.
Jesus warned that many religious people will be shocked on the day of judgment.
Matthew 7:21–23
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;
but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?
and in thy name have cast out devils?
and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you:
depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
These people said, “Lord, Lord.”
They had religious language.
They had religious works.
They had ministry claims.
But Jesus said, “I never knew you.”
Why?
Because they were workers of iniquity.
True discipleship is not sinless perfection, but it is a real turning to Christ as Lord. It is a life being changed by grace.
Jesus said:
Luke 9:23
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself,
and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
The narrow way is the way of the cross.
Deny self.
Take up the cross.
Follow Jesus.
This is not an easy subject, but it is necessary.
Jesus spoke plainly about hell.
Some people say, “A loving Jesus would never speak about judgment.” But the Jesus of the Bible warned often about hell because He is loving and truthful.
Jesus said:
Matthew 5:29–30
“And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee:
for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish,
and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee:
for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish,
and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.”
Jesus is not commanding physical self-mutilation. He is teaching the seriousness of sin. Deal with sin radically. Do not play with the thing that leads to destruction.
Jesus also said:
Matthew 10:28
“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul:
but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
He warned of final separation.
Matthew 25:41
“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand,
Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire,
prepared for the devil and his angels.”
And again:
Matthew 25:46
“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment:
but the righteous into life eternal.”
Jesus told of the rich man and Lazarus.
Luke 16:22–24
“The rich man also died, and was buried;
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments...
And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me...
for I am tormented in this flame.”
This is serious. Jesus is warning us that judgment is real.
Revelation speaks of the final judgment.
Revelation 20:11–15
“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it,
from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away...
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God;
and the books were opened...
and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.
This is the second death.
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
The lake of fire is called the second death.
This is why salvation matters. This is why repentance matters. This is why the cross matters. This is why we preach Christ.
The gospel is not a small improvement plan for comfortable people. It is rescue from wrath, death, hell, and judgment.
Hebrews 9:27
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”
Every person will stand before God.
But there is hope.
John 5:24
“Verily, verily, I say unto you,
He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life,
and shall not come into condemnation;
but is passed from death unto life.”
In Christ, we pass from death unto life.
Some people think the wrath of God and the love of God are opposites.
But the Bible teaches both.
God is holy.
God is righteous.
God judges sin.
God is also love.
God is merciful.
God saves sinners.
The wrath of God is not uncontrolled rage. It is His holy opposition to evil.
Romans 1:18
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men,
who hold the truth in unrighteousness.”
God’s wrath is against ungodliness and unrighteousness.
John says:
John 3:36
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life:
and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life;
but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
But the Bible also says:
1 John 4:8–10
“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
In this was manifested the love of God toward us,
because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world,
that we might live through him.
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us,
and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
God’s love is revealed in sending His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Propitiation means wrath is satisfied. Sin is judged. Mercy is released.
The cross is where wrath and love meet.
At the cross, God does not ignore sin.
At the cross, God judges sin.
But He judges it in His own Son.
Isaiah 53:5–6
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way;
and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
Our sin was laid on Christ.
Paul says:
2 Corinthians 5:21
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Jesus knew no sin, yet He was made sin for us.
Peter says:
1 Peter 2:24
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree,
that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness:
by whose stripes ye were healed.”
Jesus bore our sins.
Romans says:
Romans 5:8–9
“But God commendeth his love toward us,
in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood,
we shall be saved from wrath through him.”
There it is.
Love: Christ died for us.
Blood: we are justified.
Wrath: we are saved from wrath through Him.
The cross is not God choosing between holiness and love. The cross is God revealing both perfectly.
God is holy, so sin must be judged.
God is love, so He provides the sacrifice.
God is just, so the debt must be paid.
God is merciful, so Christ pays it for us.
Romans 3:24–26
“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood...
that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”
God is just and the justifier.
That is the glory of the gospel.
We have seen what sin is.
Sin is rebellion.
Sin is lawlessness.
Sin is uncleanness.
Sin is slavery.
Sin is blindness.
Sin is death.
We have seen God’s command.
Repent.
Turn from sin.
Turn to God.
Believe the gospel.
We have seen the fear of the Lord.
God is holy.
God is righteous.
God is a consuming fire.
God will judge.
We have seen mercy.
David was forgiven.
Manasseh was restored.
Nineveh was spared.
The prodigal was welcomed.
Peter was restored.
The thief on the cross was saved.
We have seen the danger.
Pharaoh hardened his heart.
Israel hardened their hearts.
The Pharisees hardened their hearts.
Hebrews warns us not to harden our hearts today.
We have seen the narrow way.
Jesus is the only way.
The broad road leads to destruction.
The narrow road leads to life.
We have seen judgment.
Hell is real.
The lake of fire is real.
The great white throne is real.
Every soul must stand before God.
But we have also seen the cross.
At the cross, wrath and mercy meet.
At the cross, sin is judged.
At the cross, love is revealed.
At the cross, Jesus bears the guilt of sinners.
At the cross, the blood is shed.
At the cross, forgiveness is purchased.
So the call today is simple:
Repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 16:30–31
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”
Do not say, “Tomorrow.”
Do not say, “Later.”
Do not say, “I will repent when I am older.”
Do not say, “I am not that bad.”
Do not say, “God will overlook it.”
Do not say, “I can manage my sin.”
The Bible says:
2 Corinthians 6:2
“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Now is the day of salvation.
Hebrews 3:15
“To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”
Come to Christ.
Come guilty.
Come ashamed.
Come broken.
Come convicted.
Come tired of sin.
Come knowing you cannot save yourself.
Come to the One who died and rose again.
Jesus said:
John 6:37
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me;
and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”
He will not cast out the repentant sinner who comes to Him.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Faithful and just.
Because Jesus paid the price, God is not unjust to forgive those who are in Christ. The blood has been shed. The debt has been paid. The sacrifice has been accepted.
So flee from sin.
Flee from wrath.
Flee from the broad road.
Flee from hardness of heart.
And flee to Christ.
He is mercy for the guilty.
He is cleansing for the unclean.
He is freedom for the slave.
He is sight for the blind.
He is life for the dead.
He is refuge from judgment.
He is the narrow way to eternal life.
Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ.
We confess that sin is serious.
We confess that we have sinned against You.
We confess that we cannot save ourselves.
We confess that You are holy, righteous, and just.
Lord, give us true repentance.
Take away hardness of heart.
Give us the fear of the Lord.
Open blind eyes.
Break the chains of sin.
Cleanse the unclean.
Raise the spiritually dead.
We thank You for Your mercy.
We thank You for the blood of Jesus.
We thank You that wrath and love met at the cross.
We thank You that Christ bore our sins in His own body on the tree.
Help us walk the narrow way.
Keep us from false prophets and false comfort.
Teach us to love truth.
Teach us to hate evil.
Teach us to cling to Christ.
And may every sinner who hears Your voice today not harden their heart, but repent, believe, and be saved.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main Scriptures: Genesis 12–25, Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11, James 2
Main theme: Abraham teaches us faith, obedience, covenant, patience, intercession, separation from the world, and the promise of Jesus Christ.
Abraham is one of the most important men in the whole Bible.
He is not important because he was perfect. He was not.
He is not important because he never struggled. He did.
He is not important because he always understood what God was doing. He did not.
Abraham is important because God called him, made covenant with him, gave promises to him, counted his faith for righteousness, and through his seed brought forth Jesus Christ.
Abraham stands near the beginning of God’s great plan of redemption.
The Bible calls Abraham the father of faith.
Romans 4:11
“And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised:
that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised;
that righteousness might be imputed unto them also.”
The Bible also calls Abraham the friend of God.
James 2:23
“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness:
and he was called the Friend of God.”
Abraham was called out of idolatry.
Abraham walked by faith.
Abraham built altars.
Abraham waited for promises.
Abraham failed and was corrected.
Abraham interceded for the wicked.
Abraham offered up Isaac by faith.
Abraham looked for a city whose builder and maker is God.
And above all, Abraham points us to Jesus Christ.
Because God promised Abraham:
Genesis 12:3
“And in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
That blessing comes through Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:16
“Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made.
He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one,
And to thy seed, which is Christ.”
So when we preach Abraham, we are not only preaching an Old Testament patriarch. We are preaching faith in God, covenant promise, righteousness by faith, and the coming of Christ.
Before he was called Abraham, his name was Abram.
Abram did not begin as a holy man from a holy family. His family came from a background of idolatry.
Joshua told Israel:
Joshua 24:2–3
“And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel,
Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time,
even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor:
and they served other gods.
And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood,
and led him throughout all the land of Canaan,
and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac.”
God said, “I took your father Abraham.”
Abraham did not save himself.
Abraham did not discover God through his own wisdom.
Abraham did not climb up to heaven.
God called him.
Stephen also spoke about Abraham’s call.
Acts 7:2–3
“The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia,
before he dwelt in Charran,
And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country,
and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.”
The God of glory appeared to Abraham.
That is where the life of faith begins: God reveals Himself.
Then Genesis records the call.
Genesis 12:1–3
“Now the LORD had said unto Abram,
Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house,
unto a land that I will shew thee:
And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee,
and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee:
and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
God called Abram to leave.
Leave your country.
Leave your kindred.
Leave your father’s house.
Go to a land I will show you.
Notice this: God did not give Abram every detail at the beginning.
God did not give him a full map.
God did not explain every delay.
God did not show him every test.
God did not tell him exactly how long he would wait.
God said, “Go.”
Faith often begins with obedience before full explanation.
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 11:8
“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance,
obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.”
“He went out, not knowing whither he went.”
That is faith.
Faith is not knowing every detail.
Faith is knowing the One who called you.
Abraham did not know the full journey, but he knew the voice of God.
And the Christian life is the same. Jesus calls us out.
Out of darkness.
Out of sin.
Out of idolatry.
Out of the world’s system.
Out of self-rule.
Out of the kingdom of darkness.
1 Peter 2:9
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people;
that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”
God called Abraham out.
God calls us out in Christ.
The life of faith begins when God says, “Come out and follow Me.”
Abraham’s faith was not mere words. His faith moved his feet.
Genesis 12:4
“So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him;
and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.”
“So Abram departed.”
That is one of the simplest and strongest pictures of faith.
God spoke.
Abram departed.
Faith hears God and obeys.
Jesus said:
John 10:27
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
True faith follows.
Many people say they believe in God, but they do not depart from anything. They do not leave sin. They do not leave idols. They do not leave the old life. They do not leave self-rule.
But Abraham’s faith required movement.
He had to leave what was familiar.
He had to trust God more than family security.
He had to walk into the unknown.
He had to live as a stranger in the land God promised him.
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 11:9–10
“By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country,
dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”
Abraham lived in tents.
He was wealthy, but he remained a pilgrim.
He had promises, but he still waited.
He possessed the promise by faith before he possessed the land by sight.
He looked for a city whose builder and maker is God.
That is the Christian life.
We are in this world, but we are not of it.
Hebrews 13:14
“For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.”
Abraham teaches us that faith makes a man a pilgrim.
He no longer belongs to the old world.
He no longer lives for earthly security alone.
He no longer builds his hope on what can be seen.
He walks by promise.
2 Corinthians 5:7
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
When Abraham came into the land, God appeared to him.
Genesis 12:7–8
“And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said,
Unto thy seed will I give this land:
and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.
And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel,
and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east:
and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.”
Abraham had a tent and an altar.
The tent showed he was a pilgrim.
The altar showed he was a worshipper.
That is a powerful picture of the believer.
We must hold this world lightly, like a tent.
But we must hold worship strongly, like an altar.
Abraham built altars wherever God met him.
The altar speaks of sacrifice.
The altar speaks of surrender.
The altar speaks of worship.
The altar speaks of calling upon the name of the Lord.
The life of faith is not only movement. It is worship.
Abraham was not just travelling. He was walking with God.
The Bible says:
Genesis 13:3–4
“And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel,
unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning,
between Bethel and Hai;
Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first:
and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.”
Abraham returned to the altar.
That is a message for us.
When we fail, return to the altar.
When we wander, return to the altar.
When we are confused, return to the altar.
When we need direction, return to worship.
When life becomes busy, return to the place of prayer.
The altar reminds us that we belong to God.
Abraham was a man of faith, but he was not a sinless man.
After entering the land, there was a famine, and Abraham went down into Egypt.
Genesis 12:10
“And there was a famine in the land:
and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there;
for the famine was grievous in the land.”
In Egypt, Abraham feared for his life because of Sarah’s beauty. So he told Sarah to say she was his sister.
Genesis 12:11–13
“And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt,
that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon:
Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say,
This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive.
Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister:
that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.”
This was fear.
This was self-protection.
This was compromise.
Abraham believed God’s promise, yet in this moment he acted as though God could not protect him.
This teaches us something important: faith can be real and still be immature. A believer can truly trust God and still have areas where fear needs to be corrected.
But God protected Sarah and delivered Abraham from his own failure.
Genesis 12:17–20
“And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram's wife.
And Pharaoh called Abram, and said, What is this that thou hast done unto me?
why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife?
Why saidst thou, She is my sister?
so I might have taken her to m
e to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way.”
God was faithful even when Abraham was fearful.
This does not excuse Abraham’s failure. It magnifies God’s mercy.
The Bible does not hide the weaknesses of God’s people.
Noah got drunk.
Moses became angry.
David sinned grievously.
Elijah became discouraged.
Peter denied Jesus.
Abraham feared and lied.
But God remained faithful.
2 Timothy 2:13
“If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.”
The life of Abraham teaches us that salvation is not built on man’s perfection. It is built on God’s faithfulness.
Abraham’s nephew Lot travelled with him. Both men became wealthy, and the land could not support all their flocks together.
Genesis 13:5–7
“And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.
And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together:
for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.
And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle.”
Abraham gave Lot the choice of land.
Genesis 13:8–9
“And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee...
Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me:
if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right;
or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.”
Lot lifted up his eyes and chose what looked good.
Genesis 13:10–11
“And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where...
Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east.”
But there was danger in that choice.
Genesis 13:12–13
“Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain,
and pitched his tent toward Sodom.
But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.”
Lot pitched his tent toward Sodom.
That is how compromise often begins.
Not always by jumping straight into wickedness.
Sometimes by simply facing toward it.
Admiring it.
Moving near it.
Letting it influence the household.
Abraham chose peace and trusted God with the land. Lot chose by sight.
Then God reaffirmed the promise to Abraham.
Genesis 13:14–17
“And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him,
Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward,
and eastward, and westward:
For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.
And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth...
Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it;
for I will give it unto thee.”
Lot lifted up his eyes and chose the world.
God told Abraham to lift up his eyes and see the promise.
The lesson is clear.
Do not choose by sight alone.
Do not pitch your tent toward Sodom.
Do not trade spiritual inheritance for temporary advantage.
Trust God with what He has promised.
1 John 2:15–17
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.
If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes,
and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof:
but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
In Genesis 14, Abraham rescued Lot after he was captured in war. After Abraham’s victory, a mysterious figure appeared: Melchizedek.
Genesis 14:18–20
“And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine:
and he was the priest of the most high God.
And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God,
possessor of heaven and earth:
And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand.
And he gave him tithes of all.”
Melchizedek was both king and priest.
King of Salem.
Priest of the most high God.
This points forward to Jesus Christ.
Psalm 110 says of the Messiah:
Psalm 110:1, 4
“The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand,
until I make thine enemies thy footstool.”
“The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent,
Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”
Hebrews explains:
Hebrews 7:1–3
“For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God,
who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all;
first being by interpretation King of righteousness,
and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life;
but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.”
Melchizedek is a picture of Christ.
King of righteousness.
King of peace.
Priest of the Most High God.
Jesus is both King and Priest.
He rules with authority.
He intercedes with mercy.
He reigns in righteousness.
He gives peace with God.
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 7:24–25
“But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him,
seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
Abraham met Melchizedek after battle. The believer meets Christ in the battle of life as King, Priest, Blesser, and Intercessor.
One of the most important verses in the Bible is Genesis 15:6.
Abraham still had no son. God had promised him descendants, but the promise seemed impossible.
Abraham said:
Genesis 15:2–3
“Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless...
Behold, to me thou hast given no seed.”
Then God brought him outside.
Genesis 15:5
“And he brought him forth abroad, and said,
Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them:
and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.”
Then comes the great verse:
Genesis 15:6
“And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”
Abraham believed God.
Not Abraham earned righteousness.
Not Abraham purchased righteousness.
Not Abraham became sinless.
Not Abraham performed enough works.
He believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.
Paul builds the doctrine of justification by faith on this verse.
Romans 4:1–5
“What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God,
and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly,
his faith is counted for righteousness.”
This is the gospel.
God justifies the ungodly by faith.
That does not mean faith is a work that earns salvation. Faith is receiving what God promises. Faith is trusting God’s word. Faith is resting in God’s provision.
David also spoke of this blessing.
Romans 4:6–8
“Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man,
unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven,
and whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.”
This is salvation by grace through faith.
Abraham was counted righteous before circumcision, before the law of Moses, before Sinai, before the temple, before the Levitical priesthood.
Why?
So that Abraham could be father of all who believe.
Romans 4:20–22
“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief;
but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.”
Faith gives glory to God because faith says, “God is able.”
Not I am able.
Not my flesh is able.
Not my works are able.
God is able.
Then Paul applies it to us.
Romans 4:23–25
“Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed,
if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”
Abraham’s faith points forward to Christian faith.
We believe in the God who raised Jesus from the dead.
Jesus was delivered for our offences.
Jesus was raised again for our justification.
In Genesis 15, God made covenant with Abraham.
Genesis 15:8–10
“And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?
And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old,
and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old,
and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst,
and laid each piece one against another.”
This was a covenant ceremony involving blood.
But then something remarkable happened.
Genesis 15:12
“And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram;
and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.”
Abraham was not walking between the pieces making promises to God. A deep sleep fell on him.
Then God revealed the future suffering of Abraham’s descendants in Egypt and their deliverance.
Genesis 15:13–14
“And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs,
and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge:
and afterward shall they come out with great substance.”
Then the covenant was confirmed.
Genesis 15:17–18
“And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark,
behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.
In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram.”
God passed between the pieces.
This was God’s promise. God bound Himself to His word.
Abraham’s hope did not rest on Abraham’s strength. It rested on God’s covenant faithfulness.
This points us to the gospel.
Our salvation rests on the blood of Jesus and the covenant faithfulness of God.
Jesus said:
Matthew 26:28
“For this is my blood of the new testament,
which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
The new covenant is sealed in the blood of Christ.
Hebrews 13:20–21
“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will.”
Abraham saw covenant blood. We see the blood of the everlasting covenant.
God promised Abraham a son. But years passed, and Sarah had no child.
Instead of waiting on God, Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham.
Genesis 16:1–2
“Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children:
and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.
And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing:
I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her.
And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.”
This was an attempt to fulfil God’s promise by human flesh.
Ishmael was born, but Ishmael was not the child of promise.
This brought sorrow, conflict, and division.
Paul uses this in Galatians as a picture.
Galatians 4:22–23
“For it is written, that Abraham had two sons,
the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh;
but he of the freewoman was by promise.”
Ishmael represents what man can produce by flesh.
Isaac represents what God brings by promise.
This is a warning.
Do not try to fulfil God’s promise by fleshly methods.
Do not try to produce spiritual fruit through unbelief.
Do not run ahead of God because waiting is hard.
Abraham had faith, but he also had moments where impatience entered.
The promise of God often tests our patience.
Hebrews 6:12
“That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Faith and patience.
Not faith and panic.
Not faith and manipulation.
Not faith and flesh.
Faith and patience.
God’s promise will be fulfilled God’s way.
In Genesis 17, God appeared to Abram again.
Genesis 17:1–5
“And when Abram was ninety years old and nine,
the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him,
I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
And I will make my covenant between me and thee,
and will multiply thee exceedingly.
And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee,
and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram,
but thy name shall be Abraham;
for a father of many nations have I made thee.”
Abram became Abraham.
God changed his name before the promise was visible.
He was called “father of many nations” before Isaac was even born.
That is faith.
God speaks according to His promise before we see the fulfilment.
Paul says:
Romans 4:17
“As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,
before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead,
and calleth those things which be not as though they were.”
God calls those things which be not as though they were.
God does not lie. He speaks from the certainty of His own power.
Abraham’s body was old. Sarah’s womb was barren. But God is the God who gives life to the dead.
Romans 4:18–19
“Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations...
And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead,
when he was about an hundred years old,
neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb.”
Abraham believed against hope.
This is what faith does. Faith does not deny the facts, but it trusts God above the facts.
The fact was Abraham was old.
The fact was Sarah was barren.
The promise was God would give a son.
Faith says God’s promise is stronger than natural impossibility.
God gave Abraham circumcision as a sign of the covenant.
Genesis 17:10–11
“This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee;
Every man child among you shall be circumcised.
And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin;
and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.”
Circumcision was a sign, not the basis of Abraham’s righteousness.
Paul makes this clear.
Romans 4:9–11
“Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also?
for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision?
Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
And he received the sign of circumcision,
a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised.”
Abraham was counted righteous before circumcision.
That means the sign did not save him. Faith in God’s promise did.
This matters because men often trust in outward signs instead of inward faith.
People can trust in circumcision, baptism, church attendance, religious heritage, or outward identity. But outward signs without inward faith cannot save.
God always wanted the heart.
Deuteronomy 10:16
“Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.”
Paul says:
Romans 2:28–29
“For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly;
neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly;
and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter.”
In Christ, the deeper reality is fulfilled.
Colossians 2:11
“In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands,
in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ.”
God wants the heart.
In Genesis 18, the Lord revealed to Abraham that judgment was coming upon Sodom and Gomorrah.
Genesis 18:20–21
“And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great,
and because their sin is very grievous;
I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it.”
Abraham stood before the Lord and interceded.
Genesis 18:23–25
“And Abraham drew near, and said,
Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city:
wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
That be far from thee to do after this manner,
to slay the righteous with the wicked...
Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”
“Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”
Abraham knew God is just.
He pleaded down from fifty to ten.
Genesis 18:32
“And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once:
Peradventure ten shall be found there.
And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake.”
Abraham’s intercession shows us the heart of a friend of God.
He cared about justice.
He cared about mercy.
He cared about Lot.
He spoke reverently, but boldly.
The intercessor stands before God on behalf of others.
Moses would later intercede for Israel.
Samuel interceded.
Daniel interceded.
Paul prayed for churches.
And above all, Jesus intercedes for His people.
Hebrews 7:25
“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him,
seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
Abraham’s intercession for Sodom also reminds us that judgment is real.
Sodom was not spared because ten righteous were not found.
Genesis 19:24–25
“Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;
And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities.”
Jesus warned that Sodom is a sign of judgment.
Luke 17:28–30
“Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot;
they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;
But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven,
and destroyed them all.
Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.”
Abraham teaches us to intercede before judgment falls.
God promised that Sarah would have a son.
Genesis 18:10–14
“And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life;
and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son...
Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying,
After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh...
Is any thing too hard for the LORD?”
“Is any thing too hard for the LORD?”
That question still stands.
Is any heart too hard for God?
Is any sinner too lost for God?
Is any promise too difficult for God?
Is any grave too sealed for God?
Is any situation too impossible for God?
The answer is no.
At the appointed time, Isaac was born.
Genesis 21:1–3
“And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said,
and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.
For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age,
at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him,
whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.”
“As he had said.”
“As he had spoken.”
“At the set time.”
God keeps His word.
The promise may seem delayed, but God is never late.
Numbers 23:19
“God is not a man, that he should lie;
neither the son of man, that he should repent:
hath he said, and shall he not do it?
or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”
Isaac was born by promise, not human strength.
This points to the gospel. Salvation is not born of fleshly effort. It is born of God.
John 1:12–13
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God,
even to them that believe on his name:
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,
nor of the will of man, but of God.”
Genesis 22 is one of the most powerful chapters in the Bible.
After Isaac was born, after years of waiting, after the promise seemed secure, God tested Abraham.
Genesis 22:1–2
“And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham,
and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest,
and get thee into the land of Moriah;
and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.”
“Thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest.”
This language points forward to the Father and the Son.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Abraham obeyed.
Genesis 22:3
“And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass,
and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son,
and clave the wood for the burnt offering,
and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.”
Then Abraham made a statement of faith.
Genesis 22:5
“And Abraham said unto his young men,
Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship,
and come again to you.”
“We will come again.”
Abraham believed God could raise Isaac if necessary.
Hebrews explains:
Hebrews 11:17–19
“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac:
and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead;
from whence also he received him in a figure.”
Abraham trusted the promise even when the test seemed to contradict it.
Isaac then asked the question:
Genesis 22:7
“And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father:
and he said, Here am I, my son.
And he said, Behold the fire and the wood:
but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”
Where is the lamb?
Abraham answered:
Genesis 22:8
“And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering:
so they went both of them together.”
God will provide Himself a lamb.
This is prophecy.
At the last moment, God stopped Abraham.
Genesis 22:10–13
“And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham...
Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him:
for now I know that thou fearest God,
seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked,
and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns:
and Abraham went and took the ram,
and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.”
The ram died in the place of Isaac.
This is substitution.
Isaac lived because another died in his place.
This points to Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the Lamb God provided.
Jesus is the beloved Son.
Jesus carried the wood of the cross.
Jesus went to the place of sacrifice.
Jesus died as substitute for sinners.
John the Baptist answered Isaac’s ancient question:
John 1:29
“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
Abraham called the place Jehovah-jireh.
Genesis 22:14
“And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh:
as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.”
The Lord will provide.
At Calvary, the Lord provided the Lamb.
Some people misunderstand faith. They think faith means saying the right words while living in rebellion.
But Abraham’s faith produced obedience.
James says:
James 2:21–24
“Was not Abraham our father justified by works,
when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Seest thou how faith wrought with his works,
and by works was faith made perfect?
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith,
Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness:
and he was called the Friend of God.
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”
James is not contradicting Paul.
Paul shows that Abraham was counted righteous by faith in Genesis 15 before works of law.
James shows that Abraham’s faith was proven genuine by obedience in Genesis 22.
We are not saved by dead works.
But saving faith is not dead.
James 2:26
“For as the body without the spirit is dead,
so faith without works is dead also.”
True faith obeys God.
Jesus said:
John 14:15
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
Abraham’s obedience did not earn the promise. It showed that he trusted the God who promised.
Jesus Himself said Abraham rejoiced to see His day.
John 8:56
“Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day:
and he saw it, and was glad.”
Abraham saw Christ’s day by faith.
He saw it in the promise of the seed.
He saw it in the covenant.
He saw it in the ram substituted for Isaac.
He saw it in the promise that all nations would be blessed.
The Jews questioned Jesus.
John 8:57–58
“Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old,
and hast thou seen Abraham?
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you,
Before Abraham was, I am.”
Before Abraham was, Jesus is.
Jesus is not merely Abraham’s descendant according to the flesh. He is Abraham’s Lord.
Matthew begins the New Testament by connecting Jesus to Abraham.
Matthew 1:1
“The book of the generation of Jesus Christ,
the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
Jesus is the son of Abraham.
But He is also the eternal I AM.
He is the promised Seed.
Paul says:
Galatians 3:7–9
“Know ye therefore that they which are of faith,
the same are the children of Abraham.
And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith,
preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying,
In thee shall all nations be blessed.
So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.”
The gospel was preached beforehand to Abraham.
“In thee shall all nations be blessed.”
That blessing comes through Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:13–14
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law,
being made a curse for us: for it is written,
Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ;
that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
Christ redeemed us so the blessing of Abraham might come to the nations.
This means Abraham’s story is not only about Israel. It is about God’s plan to bless all nations through Christ.
Galatians 3:29
“And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed,
and heirs according to the promise.”
If you belong to Christ, you are included in the promise.
Not by bloodline.
Not by circumcision.
Not by law.
But by faith in Jesus Christ.
Abraham did not receive everything in his lifetime. He died still looking forward.
Hebrews 11:13
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises,
but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them,
and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”
They saw the promises afar off.
They were persuaded.
They embraced them.
They confessed they were strangers and pilgrims.
That is faith.
Faith does not require full possession now. Faith trusts God even while waiting.
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 11:16
“But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly:
wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God:
for he hath prepared for them a city.”
Abraham desired a better country.
The land of Canaan was real, but Abraham’s hope went beyond earthly land. He looked for a heavenly city.
Revelation shows the fulfilment.
Revelation 21:2–4
“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem,
coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying,
Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them,
and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying,
neither shall there be any more pain:
for the former things are passed away.”
This is the city Abraham looked for.
A city not built by man.
A city not corrupted by sin.
A city where God dwells with His people forever.
Abraham did not begin in perfect surroundings. He came from an idolatrous background. But God called him.
No background is too dark for God.
No family history is too broken for God.
No past is too far for God.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Abraham departed when God called.
Faith is not only mental agreement. Faith follows God.
Hebrews 11:8
“By faith Abraham... obeyed.”
Abraham built altars.
A life of faith must be a life of worship, prayer, and surrender.
Romans 12:1
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,
that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service.”
Abraham had to wait for Isaac.
Waiting is not wasted when God is forming faith.
Psalm 27:14
“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage,
and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”
Abraham failed in Egypt. He acted in fear. Yet God preserved His promise.
Our hope is not in our perfect record. Our hope is in God’s grace.
Lamentations 3:22–23
“It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed,
because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
Abraham prayed for Sodom.
Believers should intercede for families, cities, nations, and the lost.
1 Timothy 2:1–4
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
For kings, and for all that are in authority...
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
Abraham placed Isaac on the altar.
The test of faith often touches what we love most.
Jesus said:
Matthew 10:37–39
“He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me:
and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
He that findeth his life shall lose it:
and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.”
God does not call us to love family less in a sinful way. He calls us to love Him supremely.
Abraham’s life is full of Christ.
The promised seed points to Christ.
The covenant points to Christ.
Melchizedek points to Christ.
Isaac points to Christ.
The ram points to Christ.
The blessing to all nations comes through Christ.
Jesus is the fulfilment of Abraham’s hope.
The great question is not merely, “Do you know about Abraham?”
The question is: do you have the faith of Abraham?
Not faith in yourself.
Not faith in religion.
Not faith in works.
Not faith in family heritage.
Not faith in outward signs.
Faith in God’s promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Paul says:
Galatians 3:26
“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”
And again:
Galatians 3:29
“And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed,
and heirs according to the promise.”
If you are Christ’s, you are Abraham’s seed.
That means the blessing promised to Abraham reaches you through Jesus.
Jesus is the promised Seed.
Jesus is the Lamb God provided.
Jesus is the sacrifice in our place.
Jesus is the High Priest after the order of Melchizedek.
Jesus is the One through whom all nations are blessed.
Jesus is the One Abraham rejoiced to see.
Jesus is the eternal I AM before Abraham was.
So come to Christ.
Believe God as Abraham believed God.
The Bible says:
Romans 10:9–13
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,
and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead,
thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness;
and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation...
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.
Now God calls you to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Believe that He died for your sins.
Believe that He rose from the dead.
Believe that He is the Lamb God provided.
Believe that His blood cleanses.
Believe that His righteousness is enough.
Believe that He is Lord.
And then walk by faith.
Leave the old country.
Build the altar.
Wait for the promise.
Do not pitch your tent toward Sodom.
Intercede for the lost.
Trust God with what is precious.
Look for the city whose builder and maker is God.
For the God of Abraham is faithful.
Father, we thank You for the life of Abraham.
We thank You that You called him out of darkness.
We thank You that You made covenant with him.
We thank You that he believed You, and it was counted to him for righteousness.
We thank You that through Abraham’s seed, Jesus Christ came into the world.
Lord, give us the faith of Abraham.
Teach us to obey when You call.
Teach us to leave behind the things that keep us from You.
Teach us to build altars of worship.
Teach us to wait patiently for Your promises.
Teach us not to trust in the flesh.
Teach us to intercede for others.
Teach us to surrender what is most precious to You.
And above all, help us see Jesus.
Jesus, the promised Seed.
Jesus, the Lamb of God.
Jesus, the substitute in our place.
Jesus, the Priest-King.
Jesus, the fulfilment of the covenant.
Jesus, the blessing for all nations.
May we believe in Him, follow Him, and look for the city whose builder and maker is God.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main Scriptures: Genesis 25–35, Genesis 37–50, Hosea 12, Romans 9, Hebrews 11
Main theme: Jacob’s life shows us the grace of God toward a flawed man, the discipline of God upon a self-reliant man, and the transforming power of God that turns Jacob into Israel.
Jacob is one of the most important men in the Bible.
God calls Himself the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Exodus 3:6
“Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”
That is a powerful thing.
God did not say only, “I am the God of Abraham,” the great man of faith.
He did not say only, “I am the God of Isaac,” the child of promise.
He also said, “I am the God of Jacob.”
Jacob was not an easy man.
Jacob was a struggler.
Jacob was a schemer.
Jacob was a deceiver.
Jacob was a man who wanted blessing but often tried to obtain it by the flesh.
Jacob’s life was filled with family conflict, fear, exile, discipline, heartbreak, and wrestling.
And yet God chose him, pursued him, preserved him, humbled him, renamed him, and blessed him.
That is the grace of God.
Jacob’s life teaches us that God does not choose people because they are already strong. God often chooses the weak to show His strength. God does not save because man is worthy. God saves because He is merciful.
Paul says:
1 Corinthians 1:27–29
“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise;
and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen...
That no flesh should glory in his presence.”
Jacob’s story is not a story of human greatness. It is a story of God’s grace.
And Jacob also points us forward to Jesus Christ.
Because from Jacob came the twelve tribes of Israel.
From Israel came Judah.
From Judah came David.
And from David’s line came Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Matthew begins:
Matthew 1:1–2
“The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren.”
So when we preach Jacob, we are not only preaching family history. We are preaching God’s covenant promise, God’s discipline, God’s mercy, God’s election, God’s transformation, and God’s plan to bring Christ into the world.
Jacob’s story begins before his birth.
Isaac’s wife Rebekah was barren, and Isaac prayed for her.
Genesis 25:21–23
“And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren:
and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus?
And she went to enquire of the LORD.
And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb,
and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels;
and the one people shall be stronger than the other people;
and the elder shall serve the younger.”
Before Jacob and Esau were born, God spoke.
Two nations were in Rebekah’s womb.
The elder would serve the younger.
God’s purpose would not follow normal human custom.
Usually, the firstborn received the greater inheritance and privilege. But God chose Jacob, the younger.
Paul explains this in Romans.
Romans 9:10–13
“And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;
For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil,
that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;
It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.”
This is not easy for the natural mind. But it teaches us that God’s calling is not based on man’s works.
Jacob was chosen before he had done good or evil.
That means Jacob could not boast.
Jacob was not chosen because he was better.
Jacob was not chosen because he was morally stronger.
Jacob was not chosen because he had a better character.
Jacob was chosen because God had a purpose.
Salvation begins with God’s grace, not man’s worthiness.
Jesus said:
John 15:16
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you.”
And Paul says:
Ephesians 1:4–6
“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world,
that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself,
according to the good pleasure of his will,
To the praise of the glory of his grace.”
God’s choosing is to the praise of His grace.
Jacob’s life begins with grace before Jacob even understands grace.
Jacob and Esau were very different men.
Genesis 25:24–28
“And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.
And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.
And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob...
And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field;
and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.
And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.”
Jacob’s name is connected with the heel. He came out holding Esau’s heel. His life would be marked by struggle.
Then comes the matter of the birthright.
Genesis 25:29–34
“And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:
And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint...
And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.
And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?
And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him:
and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.
Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles...
thus Esau despised his birthright.”
Esau despised his birthright.
He traded spiritual inheritance for temporary appetite.
This is a serious warning.
Esau valued the immediate over the eternal.
He valued food over covenant.
He valued the flesh over the promise.
He sold tomorrow for today.
Hebrews warns us:
Hebrews 12:16–17
“Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau,
who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing,
he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.”
Esau is called a profane person. That means he treated holy things as common things.
Many people today do the same.
They trade Christ for sin.
They trade eternity for pleasure.
They trade holiness for appetite.
They trade the Word of God for the approval of the world.
They trade salvation for temporary comfort.
Jesus asked:
Mark 8:36–37
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Esau teaches us: do not despise spiritual inheritance.
But Jacob also sinned. He wanted the right thing, but he tried to obtain it in the wrong way. He wanted the blessing, but he operated through bargaining, scheming, and later deception.
The promise of God did not need Jacob’s manipulation.
That is often our problem too. We believe God has promised, but we try to force the promise by fleshly methods.
Isaac grew old and wanted to bless Esau.
Rebekah heard it and told Jacob to deceive his father.
Genesis 27:6–10
“And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying,
Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying,
Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat,
and bless thee before the LORD before my death.
Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee.”
Jacob was afraid of being caught, but not afraid enough of sinning.
Genesis 27:11–12
“And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother,
Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man:
My father peradventure will feel me, and I shall seem to him as a deceiver;
and I shall bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing.”
Notice Jacob’s concern.
He did not first say, “This is wrong before God.”
He said, “What if I get caught?”
That is not repentance. That is fear of consequences.
Jacob went along with the plan. He put on Esau’s garments and goat skins to imitate his brother.
Genesis 27:18–19
“And he came unto his father, and said, My father:
and he said, Here am I; who art thou, my son?
And Jacob said unto his father, I am Esau thy firstborn;
I have done according as thou badest me.”
That was a lie.
Then Isaac asked again.
Genesis 27:24
“And he said, Art thou my very son Esau?
And he said, I am.”
Another lie.
Jacob received the blessing, but the cost was terrible.
Esau hated him.
Rebekah lost him.
Jacob fled from home.
The family was divided.
Jacob would spend many years away from the land.
Sin always has consequences.
Galatians 6:7–8
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked:
for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption.”
Jacob received what God had promised, but he received it through painful discipline because he acted in the flesh.
This is a warning.
God’s promise does not justify our sin.
God’s purpose does not excuse deception.
God’s grace does not mean we may manipulate.
The Lord does not need our lies to fulfil His truth.
Jacob fled from Esau and left home. He was alone, afraid, and guilty.
But God met him on the road.
Genesis 28:10–12
“And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran.
And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set;
and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows,
and lay down in that place to sleep.
And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth,
and the top of it reached to heaven:
and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.”
Jacob saw a ladder between earth and heaven.
Heaven was opened. Angels ascended and descended. And the Lord stood above it.
Genesis 28:13–15
“And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said,
I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac:
the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;
And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth...
and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest,
and will bring thee again into this land;
for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.”
This is grace.
Jacob had just deceived his father.
Jacob was fleeing from his brother.
Jacob was sleeping on a stone.
But God appeared and reaffirmed the promise.
God did not appear because Jacob deserved it. God appeared because God is faithful to His covenant.
The promise given to Abraham and Isaac is now spoken to Jacob.
“I am with thee.”
“I will keep thee.”
“I will bring thee again.”
“I will not leave thee.”
“I will do what I have spoken.”
This is the grace of God pursuing a broken man.
Jacob woke up afraid.
Genesis 28:16–17
“And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said,
Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.
And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place!
this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”
He called the place Bethel, the house of God.
But this ladder also points to Jesus.
In John 1, Jesus said to Nathanael:
John 1:51
“Verily, verily, I say unto you,
Hereafter ye shall see heaven open,
and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.”
Jesus is the true ladder.
Jesus is the connection between heaven and earth.
Jesus is the mediator between God and man.
Jesus is the way by which God comes down to us and by which we are brought to God.
1 Timothy 2:5
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
Jacob saw a ladder in a dream. We see Christ revealed in the gospel.
Jesus said:
John 14:6
“I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
There is no way to heaven except through Jesus.
Jacob arrived at the house of Laban. There he met Rachel and loved her.
Genesis 29:18–20
“And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.
And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man:
abide with me.
And Jacob served seven years for Rachel;
and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.”
But Laban deceived Jacob.
Jacob thought he had married Rachel, but in the morning it was Leah.
Genesis 29:25
“And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah:
and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me?
did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?”
Jacob, the deceiver, was deceived.
This does not mean God approved of Laban’s sin. But it does show that Jacob began to reap what he had sown.
Jacob deceived his father by pretending to be the firstborn.
Laban deceived Jacob by substituting the firstborn daughter.
God was disciplining Jacob.
Proverbs 3:11–12
“My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD;
neither be weary of his correction:
For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth;
even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”
Discipline is not rejection. Discipline is fatherly correction.
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 12:6
“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”
God loved Jacob too much to leave him unchanged.
Jacob spent many years under Laban’s manipulation. He learned what deception feels like. He learned hardship, waiting, labour, and dependence.
But God protected him.
Jacob later said:
Genesis 31:6–7
“And ye know that with all my power I have served your father.
And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times;
but God suffered him not to hurt me.”
“God suffered him not to hurt me.”
Even in discipline, God preserved Jacob.
That is mercy.
Jacob’s family life was painful and complicated.
Leah was unloved. Rachel was loved but barren for a time. There was jealousy, rivalry, servants given as wives, children used in competition, and deep family wounds.
The Bible does not hide this.
Genesis 29:31–35
“And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb:
but Rachel was barren.
And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben:
for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction...
And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said,
Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also:
and she called his name Simeon.
And she conceived again, and bare a son...
And she conceived again, and bare a son:
and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah.”
This is powerful.
Leah was unloved by Jacob, but seen by God.
“The LORD saw.”
“The LORD heard.”
“The LORD looked upon my affliction.”
God sees the rejected.
God hears the unloved.
God remembers the wounded.
And from Leah came Judah.
Judah means praise.
From the unloved woman came the tribe through which Jesus Christ would come.
Jacob loved Rachel more, but God chose Leah’s son Judah for the royal line.
This is grace.
The Messiah came through Judah.
Genesis 49:10
“The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet,
until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.”
Revelation says:
Revelation 5:5
“Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed.”
God brought the Lion of Judah from a family full of pain, rivalry, and imperfection.
That should give hope.
Your family may be broken, but God is not broken.
Your past may be complicated, but God’s plan is not confused.
Your household may carry wounds, but God can still bring praise.
God works through broken people because there are no other kind.
After many years, God told Jacob to return.
Genesis 31:3
“And the LORD said unto Jacob,
Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred;
and I will be with thee.”
Jacob obeyed and left Laban.
But going home meant facing Esau.
Jacob had not seen Esau since he stole the blessing. And he heard that Esau was coming with four hundred men.
Genesis 32:6–7
“And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying,
We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.
Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed.”
Jacob was afraid.
But this time, Jacob prayed.
Genesis 32:9–12
“And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac,
the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred,
and I will deal well with thee:
I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies,
and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant;
for with my staff I passed over this Jordan;
and now I am become two bands.
Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau:
for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me...
And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good.”
This is one of Jacob’s best prayers.
He appealed to God’s command.
He confessed his unworthiness.
He remembered God’s mercy.
He admitted his fear.
He asked for deliverance.
He held God to His promise.
“I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies.”
That is humility.
Jacob was changing.
The old Jacob schemed first.
The humbled Jacob prayed.
That is growth.
The believer must learn to pray the promises of God.
Psalm 50:15
“And call upon me in the day of trouble:
I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”
That night, Jacob was left alone.
Genesis 32:24–26
“And Jacob was left alone;
and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
And when he saw that he prevailed not against him,
he touched the hollow of his thigh;
and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.
And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh.
And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.”
Jacob wrestled with God.
Hosea explains:
Hosea 12:3–5
“He took his brother by the heel in the womb,
and by his strength he had power with God:
Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed:
he wept, and made supplication unto him:
he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us;
Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is his memorial.”
Jacob prevailed not by strength, but by clinging, weeping, and pleading.
God touched Jacob’s thigh. Jacob was wounded. He would walk with a limp.
Then came the question.
Genesis 32:27–28
“And he said unto him, What is thy name?
And he said, Jacob.
And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel:
for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.”
“What is thy name?”
The last time Jacob was asked something like this by his father, he lied and said, “I am Esau.”
Now God asks, “What is thy name?”
This time Jacob tells the truth.
“Jacob.”
Deceiver.
Heel-grabber.
Schemer.
Struggler.
God renames him Israel.
God does not bless the false identity. God brings Jacob to confession and then gives him a new name.
This is transformation.
Genesis 32:30–31
“And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel:
for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.
And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him,
and he halted upon his thigh.”
Jacob left that place blessed, renamed, and limping.
The limp was not a curse. It was a reminder.
No more walking in self-strength.
No more trusting in cleverness.
No more leaning on manipulation.
Jacob would now walk as a man touched by God.
Sometimes the blessing of God comes with a breaking.
God breaks pride.
God breaks self-reliance.
God breaks the old walk.
God breaks what must not rule us.
Paul learned this too.
2 Corinthians 12:9–10
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee:
for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities...
for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
Jacob became strong when he was made weak.
After wrestling with God, Jacob met Esau.
Genesis 33:1–4
“And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men...
And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times,
until he came near to his brother.
And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him,
and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.”
This is a beautiful moment.
Jacob expected wrath, but he received embrace.
Years of fear came to a moment of mercy.
Not all relationships are restored this way. Some situations remain dangerous. Some require distance and wisdom. But where God grants reconciliation, it is a gift.
The Bible says:
Romans 12:18
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
And Jesus said:
Matthew 5:23–24
“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar,
and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way;
first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”
Jacob had wronged Esau. Now he humbled himself.
The man who once grabbed became the man who bowed.
That is the work of God.
After many events, God called Jacob back to Bethel.
Genesis 35:1
“And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there:
and make there an altar unto God,
that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.”
Go back to Bethel.
Go back to the place where God met you.
Go back to the altar.
Go back to worship.
Go back to the promise.
Jacob then commanded his household:
Genesis 35:2–3
“Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him,
Put away the strange gods that are among you,
and be clean, and change your garments:
And let us arise, and go up to Bethel;
and I will make there an altar unto God,
who answered me in the day of my distress,
and was with me in the way which I went.”
This is repentance and renewal.
Put away strange gods.
Be clean.
Change your garments.
Go up to Bethel.
Build an altar.
The household of Jacob had idols that needed to be buried.
Genesis 35:4
“And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand,
and all their earrings which were in their ears;
and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.”
This is a serious message.
You cannot go to Bethel carrying idols.
You cannot build the altar while clinging to false gods.
You cannot walk with God and keep secret idols buried in your heart.
John says:
1 John 5:21
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.”
Paul says:
2 Corinthians 6:16–18
“And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?
for ye are the temple of the living God...
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,
and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”
Jacob returned to Bethel and built the altar.
Genesis 35:6–7
“So Jacob came to Luz, which is in the land of Canaan, that is, Bethel,
he and all the people that were with him.
And he built there an altar, and called the place Elbethel:
because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother.”
El-Bethel means the God of Bethel.
At first Jacob had been impressed with the place. Now he knows the God of the place.
That is spiritual growth.
Do not worship the experience. Worship the God who met you.
Jacob’s life was not easy after his name was changed.
Sometimes people think that if God blesses you, you will no longer suffer. But Jacob was blessed and still suffered deeply.
Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin.
Genesis 35:18–19
“And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing,
for she died, that she called his name Benoni:
but his father called him Benjamin.
And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.”
Later, Jacob believed Joseph had been killed.
Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery and deceived Jacob with Joseph’s coat.
Genesis 37:31–35
“And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;
And they sent the coat of many colours...
And he knew it, and said, It is my son's coat;
an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.
And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins,
and mourned for his son many days...
and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning.”
Jacob was deceived by blood on a garment, just as he had once deceived Isaac with garments and goats.
Again, the harvest of deception brought sorrow.
But God was working even through what Jacob could not see.
Joseph was not dead.
Joseph was in Egypt.
Joseph would be raised to power.
Joseph would preserve life.
Joseph would save the family from famine.
Jacob said later:
Genesis 42:36
“Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not,
and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me.”
“All these things are against me.”
But they were not.
Jacob could not see the hidden providence of God.
Joseph was alive.
Simeon would return.
Benjamin would be safe.
The famine would lead Jacob to Egypt where God would preserve the covenant family.
Sometimes we say, “All these things are against me,” when God is secretly working all things together.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,
to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Jacob eventually heard Joseph was alive.
Genesis 45:26–28
“And told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt.
And Jacob's heart fainted, for he believed them not.
And they told him all the words of Joseph...
and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him,
the spirit of Jacob their father revived:
And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive:
I will go and see him before I die.”
Notice the name change in the passage.
Jacob’s heart fainted.
But Israel said, “It is enough.”
There is still Jacob in us that trembles. But God is forming Israel, the man of faith.
Jacob was afraid to go down to Egypt, but God spoke to him.
Genesis 46:1–4
“And Israel took his journey with all that he had,
and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac.
And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said,
Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.
And he said, I am God, the God of thy father:
fear not to go down into Egypt;
for I will there make of thee a great nation:
I will go down with thee into Egypt;
and I will also surely bring thee up again:
and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes.”
God said, “I will go down with thee.”
What a promise.
God was with Jacob at Bethel.
God was with Jacob under Laban.
God was with Jacob at Jabbok.
God was with Jacob when facing Esau.
God was with Jacob in grief.
God would be with Jacob in Egypt.
The believer needs this promise too.
Hebrews 13:5
“For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
God’s presence is better than comfortable circumstances.
At the end of Jacob’s life, Joseph brought his sons Ephraim and Manasseh to him.
Jacob blessed them, but he crossed his hands, placing the greater blessing on the younger, Ephraim.
Genesis 48:13–14
“And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand,
and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand,
and brought them near unto him.
And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger,
and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly.”
Joseph tried to correct him.
Genesis 48:17–19
“And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him...
And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it:
he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great:
but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he.”
Jacob had learned something about grace.
God often overturns human order.
Jacob himself was the younger chosen over the elder. Now he blesses the younger over the elder, not by deceit, but by prophetic faith.
Hebrews remembers this moment.
Hebrews 11:21
“By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph;
and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.”
Jacob died worshipping and leaning.
Leaning on his staff reminds us of the limp. He was still a man marked by God’s touch.
At the end of his life, Jacob was not boasting in his cleverness. He was worshipping.
That is how the life of faith should end.
Not self-exalting.
Not proud.
Not trusting in flesh.
But worshipping, leaning, and blessing the next generation.
Before Jacob died, he blessed his sons and spoke prophetically over them.
The greatest prophecy is over Judah.
Genesis 49:8–10
“Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise:
thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies;
thy father's children shall bow down before thee.
Judah is a lion's whelp...
The sceptre shall not depart from Judah,
nor a lawgiver from between his feet,
until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.”
This points to the Messiah.
The sceptre speaks of kingship.
Judah would be the royal tribe.
David would come from Judah.
Jesus Christ would come from Judah.
Revelation says:
Revelation 5:5
“And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not:
behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed
to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.”
Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah.
Jacob’s life points to Jesus in many ways.
Jacob saw the ladder between heaven and earth; Jesus is the true ladder.
Jacob was renamed Israel; Jesus is the true Israel, the faithful Son who obeyed where Israel failed.
Jacob had twelve sons; Jesus chose twelve apostles.
Jacob’s family became the tribes of Israel; Jesus builds the new covenant people of God.
Jacob prophesied of Judah’s sceptre; Jesus is the King from Judah.
Jacob was preserved by grace; Jesus is the Saviour who brings grace and truth.
The story of Jacob is not complete without Christ.
The Psalms speak beautifully of the God of Jacob.
Psalm 46:1–3
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed,
and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled,
though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.”
Then the psalm says:
Psalm 46:7
“The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.”
And again:
Psalm 46:11
“The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.”
Why say “the God of Jacob”?
Because Jacob’s God is the God of flawed people who need mercy.
The God of Jacob is the God who meets fugitives at Bethel.
The God of Jacob is the God who disciplines deceivers.
The God of Jacob is the God who hears frightened prayers.
The God of Jacob is the God who wrestles men into weakness.
The God of Jacob is the God who gives new names.
The God of Jacob is the God who preserves His promise.
The God of Jacob is the God who stays faithful even when His servant is trembling.
That is our refuge.
If God were only called the God of the perfect, we would have no hope.
But He is the God of Jacob.
Jacob’s life shows the journey of grace.
He begins grabbing the heel.
He bargains for the birthright.
He deceives his father.
He runs from his brother.
He sleeps with a stone for a pillow.
He sees heaven opened.
He is deceived by Laban.
He struggles in family sorrow.
He prays in fear.
He wrestles with God.
He is wounded.
He is renamed.
He returns to Bethel.
He buries idols.
He grieves Joseph.
He is restored.
He blesses by faith.
He dies worshipping.
That is not the story of a man saving himself.
That is the story of God saving, shaping, disciplining, and transforming a man.
Jacob became Israel not because Jacob was naturally noble, but because God is gracious.
And that is the gospel.
We are not saved because we are better than others.
We are not saved because we have no past.
We are not saved because we have never deceived, failed, feared, or wrestled.
We are saved because God is merciful through Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the true way between heaven and earth.
Jacob saw a ladder.
Jesus is the way.
Jacob needed mercy.
Jesus brings mercy.
Jacob needed a new name.
Jesus gives a new identity.
Jacob needed blessing.
Jesus became the curse so that blessing could come.
Galatians 3:13–14
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law,
being made a curse for us: for it is written,
Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ;
that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
Jacob’s blessing comes to fulfilment in Jesus Christ.
So the call today is this:
Stop scheming and surrender.
Stop running and return.
Stop hiding and confess your name.
Stop clinging to idols and go back to Bethel.
Stop trusting your strength and cling to God.
Come to Jesus Christ, the true ladder, the true King, the true Saviour.
John 6:37
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me;
and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”
If God could receive Jacob, God can receive you.
If God could transform Jacob, God can transform you.
If God could be called the God of Jacob, then no broken sinner should despair when coming to Jesus Christ.
Romans 10:13
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Father, we thank You that You are the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
We thank You that You are not only the God of the strong, but the God who shows mercy to the weak.
We thank You that You met Jacob when he was running.
You spoke to him at Bethel.
You preserved him under Laban.
You humbled him at Jabbok.
You gave him a new name.
You brought him back to the land.
You used his family to bring forth the tribes of Israel.
And through Judah, You brought forth Jesus Christ our Lord.
Lord, teach us through Jacob’s life.
Deliver us from scheming.
Deliver us from deception.
Deliver us from trusting in the flesh.
Bring us back to the altar.
Teach us to put away idols.
Teach us to pray in fear and cling to You in weakness.
Touch us, break our pride, and bless us according to Your grace.
Thank You for Jesus, the true ladder between heaven and earth.
Thank You for Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah.
Thank You for Jesus, who saves deceivers, sinners, and broken people by His blood.
Make us new.
Give us a new walk.
Give us a new name.
And help us worship, leaning on Your grace until the end.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main Scriptures: Genesis 17, 18, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, Romans 9, Galatians 4, Hebrews 11
Main theme: Isaac teaches us about promise, birth by the power of God, surrender, substitution, covenant, peace, weakness, blessing, and how the promised son points forward to Jesus Christ.
Isaac is one of the great patriarchs of the Bible.
God calls Himself:
Exodus 3:6
“Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”
That is no small thing.
God joins His own covenant name to Isaac.
Abraham is often remembered as the father of faith.
Jacob is remembered as the man who wrestled with God and became Israel.
Joseph is remembered as the suffering son who saved many alive.
But Isaac is quieter.
Isaac’s life does not have as many dramatic events as Abraham’s, Jacob’s, or Joseph’s. Yet Isaac is essential in the story of redemption.
He is the child of promise.
He is the miracle son.
He is the son laid on the altar.
He is the son who was received back in a figure from the dead.
He is the heir of covenant.
He is the bridegroom who receives Rebekah.
He is the peaceful man who digs wells.
He is the father of Jacob and Esau.
He is part of the line through which Jesus Christ came.
Matthew begins the New Testament by saying:
Matthew 1:1–2
“The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren.”
Isaac stands in the line of Christ.
So when we preach Isaac, we are preaching more than ancient family history. We are preaching the faithfulness of God to His promises. We are preaching the power of God to bring life where there is barrenness. We are preaching the gospel hidden in the Old Testament.
Isaac’s life teaches us this:
What God promises, God performs.
What God gives, He may test.
What God requires, He provides.
What God begins by grace, He preserves by covenant.
And all the promises of God find their final fulfilment in Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:20
“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”
Isaac’s story begins with promise.
Abraham and Sarah were old. Sarah was barren. Humanly speaking, there was no possibility of a child.
But God had promised Abraham a seed.
Genesis 12:2–3
“And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great;
and thou shalt be a blessing:
And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee:
and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
Later God brought Abraham outside and showed him the stars.
Genesis 15:5–6
“And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars,
if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”
Abraham believed God.
But years passed.
Abraham and Sarah tried to help the promise along by the flesh through Hagar, and Ishmael was born. But Ishmael was not the child of promise.
God made clear that Sarah herself would bear the covenant son.
Genesis 17:15–16
“And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai,
but Sarah shall her name be.
And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her:
yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations;
kings of people shall be of her.”
Abraham laughed because he knew the natural impossibility.
Genesis 17:17–19
“Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart,
Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old?
and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?
And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!
And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed;
and thou shalt call his name Isaac:
and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.”
God named Isaac before he was born.
Isaac means laughter.
There was the laughter of unbelief.
There would become the laughter of joy.
Sarah also laughed when she heard the promise.
Genesis 18:10–14
“And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life;
and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son.
And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.
Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age;
and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying,
After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying,
Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?
Is any thing too hard for the LORD?”
That question is one of the great questions of Scripture:
Is any thing too hard for the LORD?
When Sarah’s womb was dead, God said life would come.
When Abraham’s body was old, God said the promise would stand.
When man saw impossibility, God saw opportunity to reveal His power.
Jeremiah says:
Jeremiah 32:17
“Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power
and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee.”
And again:
Jeremiah 32:27
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?”
Isaac’s birth teaches us that God gives life where man has no power.
That points forward to the gospel.
We are not saved by the power of the flesh.
We are not born again by human effort.
We are not made children of God by natural strength, religious ancestry, or human will.
John says:
John 1:12–13
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God,
even to them that believe on his name:
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,
nor of the will of man, but of God.”
Isaac was born by promise.
The believer is born again by promise.
Isaac’s life begins by the power of God.
The Christian life begins by the power of God.
God did exactly what He said.
Genesis 21:1–3
“And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said,
and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.
For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age,
at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him,
whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.”
Notice the phrases:
“As he had said.”
“As he had spoken.”
“At the set time.”
God is faithful to His word.
He does not forget.
He does not lie.
He does not miss the appointed time.
The promise may seem delayed, but God is not late.
Numbers 23:19
“God is not a man, that he should lie;
neither the son of man, that he should repent:
hath he said, and shall he not do it?
or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”
Sarah’s laughter changed.
Genesis 21:6–7
“And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh,
so that all that hear will laugh with me.
And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham,
that Sarah should have given children suck?
for I have born him a son in his old age.”
God turned the laughter of unbelief into the laughter of joy.
Psalm 126 says:
Psalm 126:1–3
“When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing:
then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.
The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.”
Isaac’s birth was a testimony that the Lord had done great things.
And Paul uses Isaac to explain the difference between flesh and promise.
Galatians 4:22–23
“For it is written, that Abraham had two sons,
the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh;
but he of the freewoman was by promise.”
Ishmael was born after the flesh.
Isaac was born by promise.
This distinction matters.
There are things man can produce in the flesh, and there are things only God can produce by promise.
The flesh can produce religion.
The flesh can produce pride.
The flesh can produce effort.
The flesh can produce outward appearance.
But only God can produce new birth.
Only God can bring resurrection life.
Only God can fulfil His saving promise.
Paul says:
Galatians 4:28
“Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.”
The believer is like Isaac: a child of promise.
Not saved by works.
Not saved by law.
Not saved by flesh.
Saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:8–9
“For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Isaac’s birth declares: salvation is of the Lord.
After Isaac was born, tension arose between Isaac and Ishmael.
Genesis 21:8–10
“And the child grew, and was weaned:
and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.
And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.
Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son:
for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.”
This grieved Abraham.
Genesis 21:11–12
“And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son.
And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad,
and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice;
for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.”
“In Isaac shall thy seed be called.”
God had compassion on Ishmael and promised to make him a nation, but the covenant line would be through Isaac.
Paul uses this event in Galatians to show that the promise and the flesh cannot inherit together.
Galatians 4:29–31
“But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit,
even so it is now.
Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son:
for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.”
This is a serious spiritual lesson.
The flesh cannot inherit with promise.
Man cannot mix grace and self-righteousness as the basis of salvation.
Man cannot be justified partly by Christ and partly by his own works.
Man cannot be saved by the Spirit and then boast in the flesh.
Paul says:
Galatians 3:2–3
“This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law,
or by the hearing of faith?
Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit,
are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”
Isaac teaches us: what begins by promise must continue by promise.
The Christian life is not built on fleshly confidence, but on the grace of God.
Philippians 3:3
“For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit,
and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.”
No confidence in the flesh.
Our confidence is in Christ.
Genesis 22 is the central event in Isaac’s life.
Isaac was the promised son.
Isaac was the beloved son.
Isaac was the heir.
And then God tested Abraham.
Genesis 22:1–2
“And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham,
and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest,
and get thee into the land of Moriah;
and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.”
This is one of the clearest pictures of the gospel in the Old Testament.
“Thy son.”
“Thine only son Isaac.”
“Whom thou lovest.”
That language points forward to Jesus, the beloved Son of the Father.
Matthew 3:17
“And lo a voice from heaven, saying,
This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
And again:
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Abraham rose early and obeyed.
Genesis 22:3
“And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass,
and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son,
and clave the wood for the burnt offering,
and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.”
Then we read:
Genesis 22:6
“And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son;
and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife;
and they went both of them together.”
Isaac carried the wood.
This points forward to Christ carrying the cross.
John 19:17
“And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull,
which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha.”
Isaac then asked the great question:
Genesis 22:7
“And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father:
and he said, Here am I, my son.
And he said, Behold the fire and the wood:
but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”
Where is the lamb?
This question echoes through Scripture.
Where is the lamb who can take away sin?
Where is the lamb who can stand in the place of the guilty?
Where is the lamb whose blood can satisfy God’s justice?
Where is the lamb who can bring blessing to all nations?
Abraham answered:
Genesis 22:8
“And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering:
so they went both of them together.”
God will provide Himself a lamb.
At the top of the mountain, Abraham bound Isaac.
Genesis 22:9–10
“And they came to the place which God had told him of;
and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order,
and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.”
Isaac appears to submit.
The text does not record Isaac fighting or running away. By this time Isaac was strong enough to carry wood, yet he is bound and laid on the altar.
In that submission, Isaac points to Christ.
Jesus said:
John 10:17–18
“Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself.
I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.”
Jesus was not forced to the cross.
He willingly laid down His life.
Isaiah prophesied:
Isaiah 53:7
“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth:
he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb,
so he openeth not his mouth.”
At the final moment, God stopped Abraham.
Genesis 22:11–12
“And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said,
Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him:
for now I know that thou fearest God,
seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.”
Then came the substitute.
Genesis 22:13–14
“And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked,
and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns:
and Abraham went and took the ram,
and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh:
as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.”
The ram died in the place of Isaac.
Isaac lived because another died instead.
This is substitution.
And it points directly to Jesus Christ.
John 1:29
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith,
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
Jesus is the Lamb God provided.
Isaac asked, “Where is the lamb?”
John answered, “Behold the Lamb of God.”
Hebrews gives us the spiritual meaning of Genesis 22.
Hebrews 11:17–19
“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac:
and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead;
from whence also he received him in a figure.”
Abraham believed God could raise Isaac from the dead.
Why?
Because God had promised, “In Isaac shall thy seed be called.”
If Isaac died, then God would have to raise him, because God’s promise could not fail.
Hebrews says Abraham received Isaac back “in a figure.”
Isaac is a type, a picture, a shadow of resurrection.
The beloved son was offered.
The son was as good as dead.
The son was received back.
A substitute died.
The promise continued.
This points to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Jesus truly died.
Jesus was truly buried.
Jesus truly rose again.
1 Corinthians 15:3–4
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received,
how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
The gospel is not only that Jesus died. It is that Jesus died for our sins and rose again.
Peter preached:
Acts 2:23–24
“Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God,
ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death:
because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.”
Death could not hold Him.
Isaac was spared from death by a substitute.
Jesus became the substitute and conquered death.
Isaac was received in a figure.
Jesus rose in reality.
Romans 4:24–25
“But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed,
if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”
Isaac points us to the risen Christ.
Genesis 24 gives us the story of Isaac receiving a bride.
After Sarah died, Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac from among his kindred, not from the Canaanites.
Genesis 24:2–4
“And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had,
Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:
And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth,
that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites,
among whom I dwell:
But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred,
and take a wife unto my son Isaac.”
The servant went with riches from Abraham’s house.
Genesis 24:10
“And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed;
for all the goods of his master were in his hand:
and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.”
He prayed for guidance.
Genesis 24:12–14
“And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham,
I pray thee, send me good speed this day,
and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.
Behold, I stand here by the well of water...
And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say,
Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink;
and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also:
let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac.”
Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came.
Genesis 24:15
“And it came to pass, before he had done speaking,
that, behold, Rebekah came out.”
The servant later testified:
Genesis 24:27
“And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham,
who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth:
I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.”
“I being in the way, the LORD led me.”
That is a beautiful phrase.
Guidance often comes as we walk in obedience.
Then Rebekah was asked whether she would go.
Genesis 24:57–58
“And they said, We will call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth.
And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man?
And she said, I will go.”
“I will go.”
Rebekah left her home to be joined to Isaac, a man she had not yet seen.
Peter says something similar about believers and Christ:
1 Peter 1:8
“Whom having not seen, ye love;
in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing,
ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.”
Rebekah’s journey to Isaac beautifully pictures the bride being brought to the son.
Abraham can picture the Father.
Isaac can picture the Son.
The servant can picture the work of the Holy Spirit.
Rebekah can picture the bride.
The gifts can picture the riches of grace.
The journey can picture the pilgrim life of the church.
The meeting can picture the final union of Christ and His people.
Then Isaac received Rebekah.
Genesis 24:63–67
“And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide:
and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming.
And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel...
And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent,
and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her:
and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death.”
“He loved her.”
This points us to Christ’s love for His bride, the church.
Ephesians 5:25–27
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church,
and gave himself for it;
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
That he might present it to himself a glorious church,
not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing;
but that it should be holy and without blemish.”
Christ loves the church.
Christ gave Himself for the church.
Christ cleanses the church.
Christ will present the church to Himself.
Revelation speaks of the marriage of the Lamb.
Revelation 19:7–9
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him:
for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white:
for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.”
Isaac and Rebekah point us forward to Christ and His bride.
Rebekah, like Sarah, was barren.
Genesis 25:20–21
“And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife...
And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren:
and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.”
Isaac prayed, and the Lord answered.
This teaches us that even the covenant family still depends on prayer.
Isaac was the child of promise, but he still had to pray.
God had promised descendants, but Isaac still had to seek the Lord.
God’s promise does not eliminate prayer; it encourages prayer.
Jesus said:
Matthew 7:7–8
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find;
knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth;
and he that seeketh findeth;
and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”
James says:
James 5:16
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
Isaac’s prayer also reminds us again that the covenant line comes through divine power, not natural strength.
Sarah was barren.
Rebekah was barren.
Rachel would be barren for a time.
The line of promise repeatedly comes through human weakness so that God receives the glory.
God brings life where there is barrenness.
The children struggled in Rebekah’s womb, and the Lord spoke.
Genesis 25:22–23
“And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus?
And she went to enquire of the LORD.
And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb,
and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels;
and the one people shall be stronger than the other people;
and the elder shall serve the younger.”
God chose Jacob over Esau before they were born.
Paul explains:
Romans 9:10–13
“And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;
For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil,
that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;
It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.”
God’s purpose stands not by works, but by Him who calls.
Isaac’s family teaches us that God’s grace overturns human expectations.
Part 2
Isaac was a man of promise, but he was still a man.
In Genesis 26, there was famine.
Genesis 26:1–3
“And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham.
And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.
And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt;
dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of:
Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee.”
God told Isaac not to go down into Egypt. He told him to remain in the land.
Then God reaffirmed the Abrahamic promise to Isaac.
Genesis 26:3–5
“Unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries,
and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;
And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven,
and will give unto thy seed all these countries;
and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;
Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.”
God promised:
“I will be with thee.”
“I will bless thee.”
“I will perform the oath.”
“In thy seed shall all nations be blessed.”
But Isaac feared the men of Gerar because of Rebekah.
Genesis 26:7
“And the men of the place asked him of his wife;
and he said, She is my sister:
for he feared to say, She is my wife;
lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah;
because she was fair to look upon.”
Isaac repeated Abraham’s failure.
Abraham had done this with Sarah.
Now Isaac does it with Rebekah.
This teaches us that family sins can repeat if they are not brought under the fear of God.
Children may repeat the patterns of their fathers.
Fear can pass down.
Deception can pass down.
Compromise can pass down.
But the grace of God can break what the flesh repeats.
Abimelech discovered the truth and rebuked Isaac.
Genesis 26:9–10
“And Abimelech called Isaac, and said,
Behold, of a surety she is thy wife:
and how saidst thou, She is my sister?
And Isaac said unto him, Because I said, Lest I die for her.
And Abimelech said, What is this thou hast done unto us?”
Isaac’s fear led him into deception.
This is a warning.
Fear of man can lead good men into sin.
Proverbs 29:25
“The fear of man bringeth a snare:
but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.”
Isaac had God’s promise, but in that moment he acted like God could not protect him.
We must learn to trust God not only in doctrine, but in pressure.
One of the most beautiful parts of Isaac’s life is his well-digging.
God blessed Isaac greatly.
Genesis 26:12–14
“Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold:
and the LORD blessed him.
And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great:
For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants:
and the Philistines envied him.”
Blessing brought envy.
The Philistines stopped up the wells that Abraham had dug.
Genesis 26:15
“For all the wells which his father's servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father,
the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth.”
Isaac then dug again the wells of his father.
Genesis 26:18
“And Isaac digged again the wells of water,
which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father;
for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham:
and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them.”
There is a spiritual lesson here.
The enemy loves to stop up wells.
The wells of prayer.
The wells of worship.
The wells of Scripture.
The wells of faith.
The wells of family devotion.
The wells of old truths.
The wells dug by previous generations.
Isaac did not invent new water. He re-dug the old wells.
In a time when many chase new doctrines and worldly methods, the church must dig again the old wells of truth.
Jeremiah 6:16
“Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see,
and ask for the old paths, where is the good way,
and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.”
Isaac’s servants found water, but there was conflict.
Genesis 26:19–20
“And Isaac's servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water.
And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours:
and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.”
Isaac moved and dug another.
Genesis 26:21
“And they digged another well, and strove for that also:
and he called the name of it Sitnah.”
Again there was strife.
Then he moved again.
Genesis 26:22
“And he removed from thence, and digged another well;
and for that they strove not:
and he called the name of it Rehoboth;
and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us,
and we shall be fruitful in the land.”
Isaac did not fight over every well.
He yielded.
He moved.
He kept digging.
He trusted God to make room.
This is a powerful picture of meekness.
Meekness is not weakness.
Meekness is strength under God’s control.
Meekness trusts God to defend, provide, and make room.
Jesus said:
Matthew 5:5
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”
Paul says:
Romans 12:18–19
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves,
but rather give place unto wrath:
for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
Isaac was not perfect, but here he shows a spirit of peace.
He did not stop digging because of opposition.
He did not become bitter because of envy.
He did not give up because wells were stolen.
He kept digging until God made room.
This is a word for believers:
Keep praying.
Keep seeking.
Keep returning to Scripture.
Keep rebuilding what the enemy has tried to stop.
Keep digging until the water flows.
Jesus promises living water.
John 7:37–38
“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying,
If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said,
out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”
After the wells, Isaac went to Beersheba. There the Lord appeared to him.
Genesis 26:23–24
“And he went up from thence to Beersheba.
And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said,
I am the God of Abraham thy father:
fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee,
and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.”
God said:
“Fear not.”
“I am with thee.”
“I will bless thee.”
Isaac responded with worship.
Genesis 26:25
“And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the LORD,
and pitched his tent there:
and there Isaac's servants digged a well.”
Notice the order:
An altar.
A tent.
A well.
Worship.
Pilgrimage.
Provision.
Isaac built an altar as Abraham had done. He called on the name of the Lord.
This is the life of faith.
The altar means God is first.
The tent means this world is temporary.
The well means God supplies.
Abraham had altars. Isaac had altars. Jacob would return to Bethel and build an altar.
A family of faith must be a family of altars.
Not literal animal sacrifices today, because Christ has offered Himself once for all.
Hebrews 10:12
“But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever,
sat down on the right hand of God.”
But we still offer spiritual sacrifices of worship, praise, prayer, obedience, and surrendered lives.
Hebrews 13:15
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually,
that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
And Paul says:
Romans 12:1
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,
that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service.”
Isaac teaches us to build the altar before we enjoy the well.
Seek God first.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
and all these things shall be added unto you.”
After Isaac prospered, Abimelech came to make peace with him.
Genesis 26:26–29
“Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar...
And Isaac said unto them, Wherefore come ye to me, seeing ye hate me,
and have sent me away from you?
And they said, We saw certainly that the LORD was with thee:
and we said, Let there be now an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee,
and let us make a covenant with thee;
That thou wilt do us no hurt, as we have not touched thee...
thou art now the blessed of the LORD.”
“We saw certainly that the LORD was with thee.”
That is a great testimony.
Even Isaac’s enemies had to admit that God was with him.
They had envied him.
They had stopped his wells.
They had sent him away.
But they could not deny the blessing of God.
This does not mean believers will always be liked. Often they will be hated. But the presence of God should be evident in the life of His people.
Jesus said:
Matthew 5:14–16
“Ye are the light of the world.
A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel,
but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Peter says:
1 Peter 2:12
“Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles:
that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers,
they may by your good works, which they shall behold,
glorify God in the day of visitation.”
Isaac’s life shows a quiet witness.
He was not always dramatic.
He was not always forceful.
But God’s blessing was visible.
A peaceful, faithful, worshipping, persevering life can testify loudly.
Isaac’s later years show serious family problems.
Isaac and Rebekah had twin sons, Esau and Jacob.
Genesis 25:27–28
“And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field;
and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.
And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison:
but Rebekah loved Jacob.”
This family was divided by favouritism.
Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his venison.
Rebekah loved Jacob.
Parental favouritism brought pain, rivalry, deception, and division.
Isaac knew the word God had spoken before the boys were born:
Genesis 25:23
“The elder shall serve the younger.”
But Isaac still planned to bless Esau.
Genesis 27:1–4
“And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim,
so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him,
My son: and he said unto him, Behold, here am I.
And he said, Behold now, I am old, I know not the day of my death:
Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow,
and go out to the field, and take me some venison;
And make me savoury meat, such as I love,
and bring it to me, that I may eat;
that my soul may bless thee before I die.”
Isaac’s eyes were dim physically, but there seems also to be spiritual dimness.
He was moved by appetite: “make me savoury meat, such as I love.”
He favoured Esau, even though God had chosen Jacob.
This is a warning.
A man may be part of God’s covenant and still be influenced by fleshly preference.
A father may love God and still make family mistakes.
A believer may know God’s word but still resist it because of personal desire.
Rebekah and Jacob then deceived Isaac.
Genesis 27:18–19
“And he came unto his father, and said, My father:
and he said, Here am I; who art thou, my son?
And Jacob said unto his father, I am Esau thy firstborn;
I have done according as thou badest me.”
The family was full of weakness:
Isaac acted by preference.
Rebekah acted by manipulation.
Jacob acted by deception.
Esau had despised his birthright.
Yet God’s purpose stood.
This does not excuse their sin. It magnifies God’s sovereignty.
Proverbs 19:21
“There are many devices in a man's heart;
nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.”
God’s plan is greater than human failure.
But the pain was real.
Esau hated Jacob.
Jacob had to flee.
Rebekah lost the son she loved.
Isaac’s household was fractured.
Sin in the family brings long consequences.
Even in the confusion of Genesis 27, Isaac eventually trembled and recognized that the blessing on Jacob could not be reversed.
Genesis 27:33
“And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said,
Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me,
and I have eaten of all before thou camest,
and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed.”
“He shall be blessed.”
Isaac came to submit to what God had already spoken.
Later, before Jacob left, Isaac blessed him knowingly.
Genesis 28:1–4
“And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him,
Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan.
Arise, go to Padanaram, to the house of Bethuel thy mother's father;
and take thee a wife from thence of the daughters of Laban thy mother's brother.
And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee,
that thou mayest be a multitude of people;
And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee;
that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger,
which God gave unto Abraham.”
Now Isaac clearly passes on the Abrahamic blessing to Jacob.
Hebrews remembers Isaac for this act of faith.
Hebrews 11:20
“By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.”
Isaac blessed concerning things to come.
Faith looks beyond the present.
Faith speaks according to God’s promise.
Faith blesses the next generation according to God’s word.
Isaac’s life reminds parents and spiritual leaders that one of our responsibilities is to bless the next generation with the promises of God.
Teach them Christ.
Teach them Scripture.
Teach them the fear of the Lord.
Teach them covenant faithfulness.
Teach them not to despise spiritual inheritance like Esau.
Teach them not to deceive like Jacob.
Teach them to trust the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Deuteronomy 6:6–7
“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children,
and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house,
and when thou walkest by the way,
and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”
Isaac points to Jesus in many beautiful ways.
Isaac’s birth was promised before it happened.
Jesus’ birth was also promised.
Isaiah 7:14
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign;
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son,
and shall call his name Immanuel.”
And fulfilled:
Matthew 1:22–23
“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son,
and they shall call his name Emmanuel,
which being interpreted is, God with us.”
Isaac’s birth was supernatural in the sense that God gave life to a barren womb.
Jesus’ birth was greater: conceived by the Holy Ghost of the virgin Mary.
Luke 1:35
“And the angel answered and said unto her,
The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee:
therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”
Isaac was Abraham’s beloved son offered on Moriah.
Jesus is the beloved Son offered at Calvary.
Romans 8:32
“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all,
how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”
Abraham was stopped from sacrificing Isaac.
But the Father did not spare His own Son.
Isaac carried the wood for the burnt offering.
Jesus carried His cross.
John 19:17
“And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull.”
Isaac was bound and laid on the altar.
Jesus willingly submitted to the Father’s will.
Philippians 2:8
“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself,
and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
The ram died in Isaac’s place.
Jesus is the substitute who dies in our place.
1 Peter 3:18
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust,
that he might bring us to God.”
Isaac was received back as a picture of resurrection.
Jesus truly rose from the dead.
Revelation 1:17–18
“Fear not; I am the first and the last:
I am he that liveth, and was dead;
and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen;
and have the keys of hell and of death.”
Isaac received Rebekah.
Jesus receives the church as His bride.
2 Corinthians 11:2
“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy:
for I have espoused you to one husband,
that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”
Isaac is not Jesus, but Isaac points forward to Jesus.
Jesus is greater than Isaac.
Isaac was born by promise.
Jesus is the Promised One.
Isaac was laid on the altar but spared.
Jesus went to the cross and died.
Isaac needed a substitute.
Jesus became the substitute.
Isaac was a sinner saved by covenant grace.
Jesus is the sinless Saviour.
Isaac inherited the promise.
Jesus fulfils the promise.
Isaac existed because God kept His word.
If God has spoken, God is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering;
for he is faithful that promised.”
Isaac was born by promise, not flesh.
The believer must not trust fleshly strength for spiritual life.
John 6:63
“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing:
the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
Isaac was placed on the altar.
Sometimes the greatest test is not whether we can trust God without blessing, but whether we can surrender the blessing back to God.
Abraham had waited for Isaac.
Then God tested whether Abraham loved the gift more than the Giver.
Jesus said:
Luke 14:26–27
“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children,
and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also,
he cannot be my disciple.
And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”
This does not mean sinful hatred of family. It means Christ must be supreme above all.
The central message of Isaac’s life is Jehovah-jireh.
God provides.
Genesis 22:14
“And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh.”
God provided the ram for Isaac.
God provided Jesus for sinners.
Romans 5:8
“But God commendeth his love toward us,
in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
The enemy may stop up wells, but do not give up.
Return to prayer.
Return to the Word.
Return to worship.
Return to the old paths.
Return to the living water.
Isaiah 12:3
“Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.”
Isaac did not fight over every well.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
The Christian is called to truth and peace.
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace,
and things wherewith one may edify another.”
Isaac’s preference for Esau brought pain.
The Bible warns against partiality.
James 2:1
“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory,
with respect of persons.”
We must not let appetite, preference, family favouritism, or natural affection overrule the word of God.
Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
The older generation must speak God’s promises to the next generation.
Psalm 78:4
“We will not hide them from their children,
shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD,
and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.”
Isaac’s life is quieter than some, but his message is powerful.
He tells us that God keeps promises.
He tells us that life comes from God’s power, not man’s flesh.
He tells us that the child of promise must be received by faith.
He tells us that God tests what He gives.
He tells us that God provides the lamb.
He tells us that a substitute must die.
He tells us that resurrection hope is real.
He tells us that the bride is brought to the son.
He tells us that wells must be re-dug.
He tells us that peace and meekness matter.
He tells us that family weakness can cause pain, but God’s purpose still stands.
And above all, Isaac points us to Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the true promised Son.
Jesus is the only begotten Son.
Jesus is the beloved Son.
Jesus carried the wood of the cross.
Jesus submitted to the Father.
Jesus was not spared, but delivered up for us all.
Jesus is the Lamb of God.
Jesus is the substitute.
Jesus died and rose again.
Jesus is the Bridegroom who will receive His bride.
Jesus is the fulfilment of the blessing promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
So the call today is simple:
Do not trust the flesh.
Do not despise the promise.
Do not cling to sin.
Do not stand far from the altar.
Look to the Lamb God has provided.
John 1:29
“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
Believe on Jesus Christ.
Acts 16:30–31
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”
Come to the promised Son.
Come to the crucified Son.
Come to the risen Son.
Come to the Lamb.
Come to the Bridegroom.
Come to the One in whom all the promises of God are yea and amen.
John 6:37
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me;
and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”
God provided a ram for Isaac.
God has provided Jesus for us.
Father, we thank You for the life of Isaac.
We thank You that Isaac was born by promise, not by flesh.
We thank You that You kept Your word to Abraham and Sarah.
We thank You that nothing is too hard for You.
We thank You for the picture on Mount Moriah, where Isaac was laid on the altar and a substitute was provided.
Lord, teach us to trust Your promises.
Teach us to surrender what is precious.
Teach us not to trust in the flesh.
Teach us to build altars, dig wells, walk in peace, and bless the next generation by faith.
Most of all, we thank You for Jesus Christ.
Thank You that He is the true promised Son.
Thank You that He carried the cross.
Thank You that He willingly laid down His life.
Thank You that He became our substitute.
Thank You that He rose again.
Thank You that He is preparing His bride and will receive us to Himself.
Help us behold the Lamb of God.
Help us believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Help us live as children of promise.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main Scriptures: Job 1–2, Job 13, Job 19, Job 38–42, James 5, 1 Peter 1
Main theme: Job teaches us that suffering is not always punishment for personal sin, that unseen spiritual realities are greater than what man can see, that true faith worships God even in grief, and that our hope is in the living Redeemer.
The book of Job is one of the deepest books in the Bible.
It deals with questions every suffering soul eventually asks.
Why do the righteous suffer?
Why does God allow pain?
Why does heaven sometimes seem silent?
Why do wicked people prosper while godly people suffer?
Why do friends sometimes wound instead of heal?
How can a man keep faith when everything visible collapses?
Job is not a shallow book. It is not a simple story where suffering is explained in one sentence. It takes us into the mystery of God’s sovereignty, the reality of Satan’s accusations, the weakness of human understanding, the danger of false comfort, and the hope of a Redeemer.
Job teaches us that there is more happening than we can see.
Job did not know about the heavenly conversation between God and Satan.
Job did not know that his suffering was not because God hated him.
Job did not know that Satan was accusing him.
Job did not know that his faith was being tested before heaven and earth.
Job did not know the end from the beginning.
But God knew.
And that is one of the great lessons of Job: when we do not know, God still knows.
The Bible begins the story by telling us what kind of man Job was.
Job 1:1
“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job;
and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.”
Job was not suffering because he was a wicked man. The Bible says he was upright. He feared God. He turned away from evil.
This matters because many people assume suffering always means God is punishing someone for personal sin.
But Job proves that is not always true.
Sometimes suffering is correction.
Sometimes suffering is discipline.
Sometimes suffering is consequence.
But sometimes suffering is testing.
Sometimes suffering is spiritual warfare.
Sometimes suffering is a mystery hidden in the counsel of God.
And Job teaches us to trust God even when we cannot understand God.
The first thing the Bible tells us is Job’s character.
Job 1:1
“That man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.”
The word “perfect” here does not mean Job was sinless like Jesus. It means he was blameless, sincere, whole-hearted before God.
Job feared God and avoided evil.
The fear of the Lord is one of the foundations of Job’s life.
The Bible says:
Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom:
and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
And:
Proverbs 8:13
“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil:
pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.”
Job feared God, and because he feared God, he turned away from evil.
This is true godliness.
Not merely knowing religious words.
Not merely being respectable before people.
Not merely having wealth or reputation.
But fearing God and rejecting evil.
Job was also a family man who cared deeply about the spiritual state of his children.
Job 1:4–5
“And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day;
and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about,
that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning,
and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all:
for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.
Thus did Job continually.”
Job was not careless about sin. He was concerned even about the possibility that his children might have sinned in their hearts.
He rose early.
He offered sacrifices.
He interceded for his family.
He did this continually.
That is a powerful picture of spiritual responsibility.
Fathers and mothers should care about the souls of their children.
Leaders should care about the souls of those under their care.
Believers should not only pray for physical needs, but for hearts before God.
Job knew that sin is serious. He knew that even hidden sin matters before the Lord.
Psalm 19:12–13
“Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me.”
Job was wealthy, but his wealth did not define him. His fear of God did.
Job 1:2–3
“And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.
His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels,
and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses,
and a very great household;
so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.”
Job had possessions, family, status, and influence.
But the first thing God tells us is not his wealth. It is his character.
That teaches us something. Before heaven, the measure of a man is not what he owns, but whether he fears God.
Mark 8:36
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
Job had wealth, but Job’s faith was greater than his wealth.
And this is exactly what Satan would challenge.
The book of Job suddenly takes us behind the veil into the unseen realm.
Job 1:6–7
“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD,
and Satan came also among them.
And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou?
Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth,
and from walking up and down in it.”
This shows us that there is a spiritual dimension to life that man cannot see with natural eyes.
Job was on earth living faithfully.
But in heaven, Satan was accusing.
The Bible calls Satan the accuser.
Revelation 12:10
“For the accuser of our brethren is cast down,
which accused them before our God day and night.”
Satan accuses God’s people. He accuses their motives. He accuses their faith. He accuses their love for God.
God said to Satan:
Job 1:8
“Hast thou considered my servant Job,
that there is none like him in the earth,
a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?”
God Himself testified of Job.
But Satan answered:
Job 1:9–11
“Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house,
and about all that he hath on every side?
thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath,
and he will curse thee to thy face.”
This is Satan’s accusation:
Job only loves God because God has blessed him.
Satan says, in effect:
Take away the gifts, and Job will reject the Giver.
Take away the blessing, and Job will curse God.
Take away prosperity, and Job’s faith will collapse.
This is a serious accusation.
And it is still one of Satan’s accusations today.
He says people only worship God for benefits.
He says faith is only self-interest.
He says love for God is only because of protection, prosperity, health, and comfort.
So God allowed Job to be tested.
Job 1:12
“And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power;
only upon himself put not forth thine hand.
So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.”
Notice: Satan is not equal with God.
Satan cannot touch Job without permission.
Satan is active, but he is limited.
Satan is malicious, but he is not sovereign.
Satan attacks, but he remains under God’s authority.
This should sober us, but also comfort us.
The devil is real.
Spiritual warfare is real.
But God is still on the throne.
1 John 4:4
“Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
Then disaster comes suddenly.
One messenger after another comes to Job.
The oxen and donkeys are taken.
The servants are killed.
Fire falls and burns up the sheep.
The camels are taken.
More servants are killed.
Then the final blow: his children are dead.
Job 1:18–19
“While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said,
Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:
And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness,
and smote the four corners of the house,
and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead;
and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.”
This is unimaginable grief.
Job lost wealth.
Job lost servants.
Job lost security.
Job lost all ten children.
And what did Job do?
Job 1:20
“Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head,
and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped.”
Job grieved. He rent his mantle. He shaved his head.
The Bible does not pretend grief is not real. Faith does not mean no tears. Worship does not mean no sorrow.
But Job fell down and worshipped.
Then he said:
Job 1:21
“Naked came I out of my mother's womb,
and naked shall I return thither:
the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away;
blessed be the name of the LORD.”
That is one of the greatest statements of faith in the Bible.
“The LORD gave.”
“The LORD hath taken away.”
“Blessed be the name of the LORD.”
Job understood that everything he had was a gift.
His possessions were gifts.
His children were gifts.
His life was a gift.
His breath was a gift.
Job did not curse God. He blessed the name of the Lord.
Then the Bible says:
Job 1:22
“In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”
This does not mean Job understood everything. He did not.
It does not mean Job had no pain. He had deep pain.
It means Job did not sin by accusing God of evil.
This is faith in the fire.
It is one thing to say, “Blessed be the name of the Lord,” when the house is full, the body is healthy, the children are safe, and the bank is strong.
It is another thing to say it beside the ashes of loss.
Job’s worship proves that true faith is not merely attachment to God’s gifts. True faith clings to God Himself.
Habakkuk spoke the same kind of faith.
Habakkuk 3:17–18
“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines;
the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat;
the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”
“Yet I will rejoice.”
That is Job-like faith.
Satan returns again before the Lord.
Job 2:3
“And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job,
that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man,
one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
and still he holdeth fast his integrity,
although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.”
God says Job still holds fast his integrity.
Satan then says:
Job 2:4–5
“Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.
But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh,
and he will curse thee to thy face.”
Satan now attacks Job’s body.
Job 2:6–8
“And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.
So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD,
and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.
And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal;
and he sat down among the ashes.”
Job is now suffering physically from head to foot.
His possessions are gone.
His children are gone.
His health is gone.
His dignity is gone.
He sits among ashes scraping his wounds.
Then his wife speaks.
Job 2:9
“Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity?
curse God, and die.”
These are terrible words. But we should remember she too had lost her children. She too was crushed. Her words are wrong, but she is also suffering.
Job responds:
Job 2:10
“But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh.
What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?
In all this did not Job sin with his lips.”
Job does not curse God.
He asks: shall we receive good from God and not adversity?
This is hard truth.
Many people want a God who only gives comfort, never testing.
Only blessing, never pruning.
Only sunshine, never storms.
Only healing, never waiting.
Only open doors, never closed doors.
But Job knows God is God in both giving and taking.
The Lord is not only Lord of pleasant days. He is Lord of painful days too.
Isaiah 45:7
“I form the light, and create darkness:
I make peace, and create evil:
I the LORD do all these things.”
That does not mean God commits moral evil. It means God is sovereign even over calamity, judgment, and suffering.
Job does not understand, but he still reveres God.
Job’s three friends come: Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.
At first, they do well.
Job 2:11–13
“Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him,
they came every one from his own place...
for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.
And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not,
they lifted up their voice, and wept;
and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.
So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights,
and none spake a word unto him:
for they saw that his grief was very great.”
For seven days, they sat in silence.
That was their best ministry.
Sometimes the suffering do not need quick speeches.
Sometimes they need presence.
Sometimes they need tears.
Sometimes they need someone to sit with them without trying to explain everything.
The Bible says:
Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”
But once Job’s friends begin speaking, they begin wounding him.
Their basic message is: Job, you must have sinned badly, or this would not be happening to you.
Eliphaz says:
Job 4:7–8
“Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent?
or where were the righteous cut off?
Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.”
There is truth in the idea that sin can bring consequences. The Bible teaches that.
Galatians 6:7
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked:
for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
But Job’s friends apply that truth wrongly.
They assume Job must be suffering because of hidden wickedness.
Bildad says:
Job 8:3–6
“Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice?
If thy children have sinned against him, and he have cast them away for their transgression;
If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;
If thou wert pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee.”
That is cruel.
Job’s children have died, and Bildad suggests they died because they sinned.
Zophar says:
Job 11:6
“Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth.”
In other words: Job, you deserve worse.
These men speak some true things about God, but they misapply truth without mercy, wisdom, or knowledge of the unseen.
This is a warning for all who counsel suffering people.
Do not assume you know everything God is doing.
Do not turn every suffering into accusation.
Do not use true doctrine as a weapon without compassion.
Do not explain mysteries too quickly.
Job says to them:
Job 16:2
“I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all.”
Miserable comforters.
And later God rebukes them.
Job 42:7
“And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job,
the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite,
My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends:
for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.”
God was angry with Job’s friends because they misrepresented Him.
Let us be careful when speaking to the suffering.
Proverbs 25:11
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”
And:
Proverbs 18:13
“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it,
it is folly and shame unto him.”
Job does not curse God, but he does lament. He speaks in anguish. He wishes he had never been born.
Job 3:1–3
“After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day.
And Job spake, and said,
Let the day perish wherein I was born.”
This is raw grief.
Some believers think faith means never expressing pain. But the Bible is full of lament.
David cried:
Psalm 13:1–2
“How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever?
how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
having sorrow in my heart daily?”
Jeremiah cried:
Lamentations 3:17–18
“And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace:
I forgat prosperity.
And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD.”
Even Jesus on the cross cried:
Matthew 27:46
“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
That was the language of Psalm 22.
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from my cries of anguish?
2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
by night, but I find no rest.
3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;
you are the one Israel praises.
4 In you our ancestors put their trust;
they trusted and you delivered them.
5 To you they cried out and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not put to shame.
6 But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by everyone, despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock me;
they hurl insults, shaking their heads.
8 “He trusts in the Lord,” they say,
“let the Lord rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
since he delights in him.”
9 Yet you brought me out of the womb;
you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast.
10 From birth I was cast on you;
from my mother’s womb you have been my God.
11 Do not be far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.
12 Many bulls surround me;
strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
13 Roaring lions that tear their prey
open their mouths wide against me.
14 I am poured out like water,
and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart has turned to wax;
it has melted within me.
15 My mouth is dried up like a potsherd,
and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;
you lay me in the dust of death.
16 Dogs surround me,
a pack of villains encircles me;
they pierce my hands and my feet.
17 All my bones are on display;
people stare and gloat over me.
18 They divide my clothes among them
and cast lots for my garment.
19 But you, Lord, do not be far from me.
You are my strength; come quickly to help me.
20 Deliver me from the sword,
my precious life from the power of the dogs.
21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions;
save me from the horns of the wild oxen.
22 I will declare your name to my people;
in the assembly I will praise you.
23 You who fear the Lord, praise him!
All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!
Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
24 For he has not despised or scorned
the suffering of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him
but has listened to his cry for help.
25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly;
before those who fear youI will fulfill my vows.
26 The poor will eat and be satisfied;
those who seek the Lord will praise him—
may your hearts live forever!
27 All the ends of the earth
will remember and turn to the Lord,
and all the families of the nations
will bow down before him,
28 for dominion belongs to the Lord
and he rules over the nations.
29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—
those who cannot keep themselves alive.
30 Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord.
31 They will proclaim his righteousness,
declaring to a people yet unborn:
He has done it!
Lament is not unbelief when it is directed toward God. Lament is faith crying in pain.
Job says:
Job 13:15
“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:
but I will maintain mine own ways before him.”
That is not shallow faith. That is suffering faith.
“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.”
Job is confused.
Job is wounded.
Job is protesting.
Job is asking questions.
But he still speaks to God. He still refuses to let go of God.
True faith does not mean we never ask why.
True faith means even when we ask why, we still cling to God.
Job also says:
Job 23:8–10
“Behold, I go forward, but he is not there;
and backward, but I cannot perceive him:
On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him:
he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:
But he knoweth the way that I take:
when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”
Job cannot see God, but he believes God sees him.
“I cannot behold Him.”
“But He knoweth the way that I take.”
That is faith in darkness.
Peter says trials test faith like fire tests gold.
1 Peter 1:6–7
“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be,
ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth,
though it be tried with fire,
might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”
Faith tried in fire is precious to God.
In the middle of Job’s suffering, one of the greatest declarations of hope appears.
Job says:
Job 19:23–24
“Oh that my words were now written!
oh that they were printed in a book!
That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!”
Then he declares:
Job 19:25–27
“For I know that my redeemer liveth,
and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
And though after my skin worms destroy this body,
yet in my flesh shall I see God:
Whom I shall see for myself,
and mine eyes shall behold, and not another;
though my reins be consumed within me.”
This is astonishing.
Job speaks of a living Redeemer.
He speaks of resurrection hope.
He speaks of seeing God with his own eyes.
He speaks of hope beyond death.
“My Redeemer liveth.”
A redeemer is one who acts on behalf of another. A redeemer rescues, buys back, vindicates, delivers.
Job knows he needs someone beyond himself.
He needs a mediator.
He needs an advocate.
He needs a redeemer.
Earlier Job had said:
Job 9:32–33
“For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him,
and we should come together in judgment.
Neither is there any daysman betwixt us,
that might lay his hand upon us both.”
Job longed for a daysman, a mediator, someone who could stand between God and man and lay his hand upon both.
That longing is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 2:5
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
Jesus is the mediator Job longed for.
Jesus is fully God and fully man.
He lays hold of God because He is God the Son.
He lays hold of man because He became flesh.
He stands between holy God and sinful man.
He makes peace by His blood.
Colossians 1:20
“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross,
by him to reconcile all things unto himself.”
Jesus is also our Redeemer.
Galatians 3:13
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law,
being made a curse for us:
for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.”
And:
1 Peter 1:18–19
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things,
as silver and gold...
But with the precious blood of Christ,
as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
Job said, “I know that my redeemer liveth.”
The Christian can say it even more clearly:
I know my Redeemer lives because Jesus died and rose again.
Revelation 1:17–18
“Fear not; I am the first and the last:
I am he that liveth, and was dead;
and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen;
and have the keys of hell and of death.”
Job’s hope reaches forward to Christ.
For much of the book, Job wants God to answer him.
He says:
Job 31:35
“Oh that one would hear me!
behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me.”
Many suffering people know this feeling.
Lord, answer me.
Lord, explain this.
Lord, show me why.
Lord, speak.
But God does not answer immediately.
The silence of God is one of the hardest tests of faith.
David cried:
Psalm 28:1
“Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock;
be not silent to me:
lest, if thou be silent to me,
I become like them that go down into the pit.”
But silence does not mean absence.
God was present in Job’s suffering even when Job could not feel Him.
God was watching.
God was limiting Satan.
God was preserving Job.
God was preparing to speak.
Faith must learn that God’s silence is not God’s surrender.
The teacher may be silent during the test, but he is still in the room.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God:
I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”
When God finally answers Job, He does not answer the way Job expected.
God does not explain the conversation with Satan.
God does not give Job a detailed explanation of every loss.
God does not answer every philosophical question.
God reveals Himself.
Job 38:1–3
“Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?
Gird up now thy loins like a man;
for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.”
Then God asks Job question after question.
Job 38:4
“Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?
declare, if thou hast understanding.”
Where were you, Job?
God continues:
Job 38:8–11
“Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?
When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it,
And brake up for it my decreed place,
and set bars and doors,
And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further:
and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?”
God is Lord over creation.
He commands the sea.
He appoints boundaries.
He governs light, darkness, stars, weather, animals, and the deep mysteries of the world.
God asks:
Job 38:31–33
“Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades,
or loose the bands of Orion?
Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season?
or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?
Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven?
canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?”
Job cannot.
God can.
The point is not to humiliate Job cruelly. The point is to restore Job’s sense of proportion.
Job is suffering deeply, but Job is not God.
Job does not know enough to judge the whole universe.
Job cannot govern creation.
Job cannot see all causes and all ends.
Job cannot understand all hidden purposes.
God can.
The answer to suffering is not always explanation. Sometimes the answer is a bigger vision of God.
When we cannot understand God’s ways, we must trust God’s character.
Isaiah 55:8–9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
God’s ways are higher.
That does not mean suffering is easy. It means God is trustworthy beyond what we can see.
After the Lord speaks, Job responds.
Job 40:3–5
“Then Job answered the LORD, and said,
Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee?
I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.
Once have I spoken; but I will not answer:
yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.”
Job is humbled.
Later he says:
Job 42:1–6
“Then Job answered the LORD, and said,
I know that thou canst do every thing,
and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge?
therefore have I uttered that I understood not;
things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.
Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak:
I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear:
but now mine eye seeth thee.
Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
Job says, “I uttered that I understood not.”
This is humility before mystery.
He does not repent because his friends were right and he was secretly wicked. God already said Job was upright. Job repents of speaking beyond knowledge, of demanding answers as though man could put God on trial.
Job says:
“I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.”
Suffering brought Job from hearing about God to a deeper encounter with God.
This is one of the mysteries of suffering. God can use pain to deepen our knowledge of Him.
Paul said:
Philippians 3:10
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection,
and the fellowship of his sufferings,
being made conformable unto his death.”
There is a fellowship with Christ that is known in suffering.
After God rebukes Job’s friends, He commands them to go to Job.
Job 42:7–8
“My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends:
for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.
Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams,
and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering;
and my servant Job shall pray for you:
for him will I accept.”
This is remarkable.
The men who accused Job now need Job to pray for them.
The wounded man becomes an intercessor.
The falsely accused man prays for his accusers.
The suffering man becomes a priestly figure.
Then Scripture says:
Job 42:10
“And the LORD turned the captivity of Job,
when he prayed for his friends:
also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.”
“When he prayed for his friends.”
There is something powerful here.
Job had been wounded by their words.
They had misrepresented him.
They had judged him falsely.
Yet Job prayed for them.
This points us to Jesus Christ, who prayed for those who crucified Him.
Luke 23:34
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them;
for they know not what they do.”
Peter says:
1 Peter 2:21–23
“Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example,
that ye should follow his steps:
Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again;
when he suffered, he threatened not;
but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.”
Job foreshadows this in a small way. Jesus fulfils it perfectly.
God restored Job.
Job 42:10–12
“And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends:
also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters,
and all they that had been of his acquaintance before,
and did eat bread with him in his house...
So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning.”
Job received more livestock than before. He had more children.
Job 42:13
“He had also seven sons and three daughters.”
And the Bible says:
Job 42:16–17
“After this lived Job an hundred and forty years,
and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations.
So Job died, being old and full of days.”
God restored Job’s life.
But we must be careful. The message of Job is not simply, “If you suffer faithfully, God will give you double possessions in this life.”
Some believers suffer and die without earthly restoration. Many martyrs did not receive double in this world.
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 11:35–38
“And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance;
that they might obtain a better resurrection:
And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings,
yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword...
Of whom the world was not worthy.”
So Job’s restoration points beyond itself.
It points to resurrection hope.
It points to final vindication.
It points to God making all things right in the end.
For the believer, the final restoration is not merely more earthly goods. It is eternal life, resurrection, and dwelling with God forever.
Revelation 21:3–5
“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying,
Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them,
and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying,
neither shall there be any more pain:
for the former things are passed away.
And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.”
That is the final answer to Job’s tears.
No more death.
No more sorrow.
No more crying.
No more pain.
Job points us to Jesus in several ways.
Job was upright and suffered.
Jesus was perfectly righteous and suffered.
1 Peter 3:18
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins,
the just for the unjust,
that he might bring us to God.”
Job suffered though not because of personal wickedness.
Jesus suffered though He had no sin at all.
2 Corinthians 5:21
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Job was accused by Satan and by friends.
Jesus was falsely accused by men.
Matthew 26:59–60
“Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council,
sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
But found none.”
Job said:
Job 9:33
“Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.”
Jesus is that Mediator.
Hebrews 9:15
“And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament.”
Job said:
Job 19:25
“For I know that my redeemer liveth.”
Jesus is the living Redeemer.
Titus 2:13–14
“Looking for that blessed hope,
and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity.”
Job prayed for those who had wounded him.
Jesus prayed for His enemies and now intercedes for His people.
Hebrews 7:25
“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him,
seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
Jesus suffered, died, and rose again in glory.
Philippians 2:8–11
“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself,
and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,
and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.”
Job’s suffering ended in restoration.
Jesus’ suffering ended in resurrection, exaltation, and eternal victory.
Job’s friends were wrong to assume suffering always means personal guilt.
Jesus corrected similar thinking.
John 9:1–3
“And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents,
that he was born blind?
Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents:
but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.”
Be careful before judging someone else’s suffering.
Satan attacked Job, but only within limits God allowed.
Luke 22:31–32
“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you,
that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.”
Satan may sift, but Christ intercedes.
Job worshipped after loss.
Job 1:21
“The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away;
blessed be the name of the LORD.”
Faith does not deny pain, but it still blesses God.
Speak carefully to the suffering.
James 1:19
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren,
let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
Sometimes silence, tears, and prayer are better than quick explanations.
Job cried out in anguish, yet he kept speaking to God.
Psalm 62:8
“Trust in him at all times; ye people,
pour out your heart before him:
God is a refuge for us.”
Pour out your heart before Him.
Job never received every explanation, but he saw God more clearly.
Job 42:5
“I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear:
but now mine eye seeth thee.”
The goal is not always explanation. The goal is deeper knowledge of God.
Job’s greatest hope was not in restored possessions, but in the living Redeemer.
Job 19:25
“For I know that my redeemer liveth.”
The Christian’s hope is Jesus Christ crucified and risen.
James tells us how to read Job.
James 5:10–11
“Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord,
for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
Behold, we count them happy which endure.
Ye have heard of the patience of Job,
and have seen the end of the Lord;
that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.”
The end of the Lord is mercy.
Job’s story is not only about suffering. It is about the compassion and mercy of God.
Job began with everything.
Then he lost almost everything.
He sat in ashes.
His body was afflicted.
His wife told him to curse God and die.
His friends accused him.
He cried out in confusion.
He asked questions.
He longed for a mediator.
He declared that his Redeemer lives.
God answered from the whirlwind.
Job was humbled.
Job prayed for his friends.
God restored him.
But the greatest treasure in Job’s story is not the restoration of possessions.
It is the revelation of God.
Job could say:
Job 42:5
“I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear:
but now mine eye seeth thee.”
That is the goal.
To know God more truly.
To trust Him more deeply.
To worship Him more purely.
To cling to Him when gifts are gone.
To say with Job, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.”
To say, “I know that my Redeemer liveth.”
And now, on this side of the cross, we know the Redeemer’s name.
His name is Jesus Christ.
He is the mediator Job longed for.
He is the Redeemer Job hoped in.
He is the innocent sufferer greater than Job.
He is the righteous One falsely accused.
He is the one who suffered not for His own sins, but for ours.
He is the one who died, rose again, and ever lives to make intercession.
So if you are suffering, come to Christ.
If you are grieving, come to Christ.
If you are confused, come to Christ.
If you feel accused, come to Christ.
If you have sinned, come to Christ.
If you are sitting in ashes, come to Christ.
He does not always explain everything immediately.
But He gives Himself.
And He is enough.
Matthew 11:28–30
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Come to the living Redeemer.
Romans 10:13
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Father, we thank You for the book of Job.
We thank You that You are sovereign over what we can see and what we cannot see.
We thank You that Satan is not sovereign, but You are.
We thank You that suffering is not meaningless in Your hands.
We thank You that You are merciful, compassionate, holy, wise, and faithful.
Lord, help us when we suffer.
Help us not to charge You foolishly.
Help us worship even in grief.
Help us lament honestly without letting go of faith.
Help us not to be miserable comforters to others.
Give us wisdom, compassion, patience, and truth.
We thank You for Jesus Christ, our living Redeemer.
We thank You that He suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, to bring us to God.
We thank You that He died and rose again.
We thank You that He ever lives to make intercession for us.
Teach us to say with Job, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.”
Teach us to say, “I know that my Redeemer liveth.”
And bring us at last to the day when every tear is wiped away, and there is no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main Scriptures: Matthew 1, Matthew 4, Matthew 5–7, Matthew 9, Matthew 16, Matthew 26–28
Main theme: Matthew shows us that Jesus Christ is the promised King, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham, the Saviour of sinners, the fulfiller of Scripture, and the Lord who calls sinners to follow Him.
Matthew was a tax collector.
That may not sound shocking to us at first, but in the Jewish world of Jesus’ day, tax collectors were despised. They worked within the Roman tax system. They were often seen as traitors, greedy men, collaborators with the occupying power, and sinners.
Yet Jesus called Matthew.
Matthew 9:9
“And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom:
and he saith unto him, Follow me.
And he arose, and followed him.”
That is one of the most beautiful verses in the Bible.
Jesus saw Matthew.
Jesus called Matthew.
Matthew arose.
Matthew followed Him.
Matthew was sitting at the place of money, taxes, business, and worldly gain. But when Jesus said, “Follow me,” Matthew left that old seat and became a disciple.
Luke tells the same story and gives another detail:
Luke 5:27–28
“And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom:
and he said unto him, Follow me.
And he left all, rose up, and followed him.”
“He left all.”
Matthew left the tax table.
Matthew left the old life.
Matthew left the place where people knew him as a sinner and a publican.
Matthew followed Jesus.
This is grace.
Jesus did not call Matthew because Matthew was already righteous. Jesus called Matthew because Jesus came to save sinners.
And immediately after Matthew was called, he opened his house.
Matthew 9:10
“And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house,
behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.”
Matthew had met Jesus, and now he wanted other sinners to meet Him too.
But the Pharisees complained.
Matthew 9:11
“And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples,
Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?”
Jesus answered:
Matthew 9:12–13
“But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them,
They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice:
for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
That verse is the key to Matthew’s life.
Jesus came to call sinners to repentance.
Matthew was one of those sinners.
And so are we.
The first message from Matthew’s life is simple: Jesus calls sinners.
He does not only call the respectable.
He does not only call the religious.
He does not only call those with clean reputations.
He does not only call those who were raised correctly.
Jesus calls sinners.
That does not mean Jesus approves of sin. It means Jesus is powerful enough to save sinners out of sin.
Matthew 1:21
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people from their sins.”
Jesus does not save His people in their sins only. He saves His people from their sins.
The Pharisees saw sinners and wanted separation without mercy. Jesus saw sinners and brought mercy that leads to repentance.
Jesus said:
Luke 19:10
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Matthew was lost, but Jesus found him.
Matthew was sitting at the receipt of custom, but Jesus called him to become an apostle.
Matthew was known as a publican, but Jesus made him a witness of the kingdom.
This is the transforming grace of God.
Paul said:
1 Timothy 1:15
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
Not to flatter sinners.
Not to leave sinners unchanged.
Not to excuse rebellion.
But to save sinners.
And if Jesus could call Matthew, He can call anyone.
He can call the greedy.
He can call the ashamed.
He can call the despised.
He can call the religious hypocrite.
He can call the broken sinner.
He can call the man sitting at the table of his old life.
The call is the same:
“Follow me.”
The Gospel of Matthew begins with a genealogy.
Many people skip genealogies, but Matthew begins this way for a reason. He wants us to know who Jesus is.
Matthew 1:1
“The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
Jesus is the Son of David and the Son of Abraham.
That means Jesus fulfils the promises.
To Abraham, God promised blessing for all nations.
Genesis 12:3
“And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee:
and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
Paul explains that this promise points to Christ.
Galatians 3:16
“Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made.
He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one,
And to thy seed, which is Christ.”
Jesus is the promised Seed of Abraham through whom blessing comes to the nations.
To David, God promised a throne and a kingdom.
2 Samuel 7:12–13
“And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers,
I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels,
and I will establish his kingdom.
He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.”
Jesus is the Son of David, the King whose kingdom shall never end.
The angel said to Mary:
Luke 1:31–33
“And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son,
and shalt call his name JESUS.
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest:
and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever;
and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”
Matthew wants us to see from the first verse: Jesus is not a random teacher appearing out of nowhere. He is the fulfilment of covenant promise.
He is the Son of Abraham.
He is the Son of David.
He is the promised Messiah.
He is the King.
One of the great themes of Matthew is fulfilment.
Again and again Matthew says that things happened so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
Jesus’ virgin birth fulfilled prophecy.
Matthew 1:22–23
“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son,
and they shall call his name Emmanuel,
which being interpreted is, God with us.”
This fulfilled Isaiah.
Isaiah 7:14
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign;
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son,
and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem fulfilled prophecy.
Matthew 2:5–6
“And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea:
for thus it is written by the prophet,
And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda:
for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.”
This fulfilled Micah.
Micah 5:2
“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah,
yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel;
whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”
Jesus coming out of Egypt fulfilled Scripture.
Matthew 2:14–15
“When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
And was there until the death of Herod:
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Out of Egypt have I called my son.”
Jesus dwelling in Galilee fulfilled prophecy.
Matthew 4:13–16
“And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum...
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim...
The people which sat in darkness saw great light;
and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.”
Jesus’ healing ministry fulfilled prophecy.
Matthew 8:16–17
“When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils:
and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.”
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem fulfilled prophecy.
Matthew 21:4–5
“All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek,
and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.”
Jesus’ betrayal fulfilled Scripture.
Matthew 26:56
“But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.
Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.”
Matthew’s message is clear: Jesus fulfils the Old Testament.
The law points to Him.
The prophets point to Him.
The psalms point to Him.
The promises point to Him.
The sacrifices point to Him.
The kingdom points to Him.
Jesus Himself said:
Matthew 5:17
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets:
I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.”
Jesus fulfils what man could not fulfil.
Matthew often uses the phrase “the kingdom of heaven.”
John the Baptist preached:
Matthew 3:1–2
“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Jesus preached the same message.
Matthew 4:17
“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say,
Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
The kingdom of heaven is not man building his own empire. It is God’s rule breaking into the world through Jesus Christ the King.
Jesus came preaching repentance because no one enters the kingdom by pride, sin, or self-righteousness.
He said:
Matthew 18:3
“Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children,
ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
The kingdom belongs to the humble, the repentant, the poor in spirit.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:
Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
And:
Matthew 5:10
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
The kingdom is not like the kingdoms of this world.
The world honours pride.
Jesus blesses the poor in spirit.
The world honours revenge.
Jesus blesses the meek.
The world honours lust and greed.
Jesus blesses the pure in heart.
The world honours power over others.
Jesus blesses the peacemakers.
Matthew 5:5–9
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
Matthew shows Jesus as King, but His kingdom begins in hearts surrendered to God.
Jesus taught us to pray:
Matthew 6:9–10
“After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
To pray “Thy kingdom come” is to pray, “Lord, rule here. Rule in me. Rule in my home. Rule in Your church. Rule in the nations. Let Your will be done.”
Matthew continually shows that Jesus has authority.
Jesus has authority in His teaching.
After the Sermon on the Mount, the people were astonished.
Matthew 7:28–29
“And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings,
the people were astonished at his doctrine:
For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”
Jesus does not merely quote human traditions. He speaks with divine authority.
Jesus has authority over sickness.
Matthew 8:2–3
“And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying,
Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying,
I will; be thou clean.
And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”
Jesus has authority over nature.
Matthew 8:24–27
“And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea,
insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?
Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this,
that even the winds and the sea obey him!”
Jesus has authority over demons.
Matthew 8:16
“When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils:
and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick.”
Jesus has authority to forgive sins.
Matthew 9:2–6
“And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed:
and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy;
Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee;
or to say, Arise, and walk?
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins,
then saith he to the sick of the palsy, Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.”
This is the authority of the Son of Man.
He teaches with authority.
He heals with authority.
He commands creation with authority.
He casts out demons with authority.
He forgives sins with authority.
And after His resurrection, He declares:
Matthew 28:18
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,
All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
All power.
All authority.
In heaven and in earth.
Jesus is not merely a prophet.
Jesus is not merely a teacher.
Jesus is Lord.
Matthew’s Gospel is full of mercy.
Jesus touched the leper.
Matthew 8:2–3
“And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying,
Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying,
I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”
Under the law, leprosy made a person unclean. But Jesus touched the untouchable, and instead of uncleanness spreading to Jesus, cleansing flowed from Jesus.
That is the power of Christ.
Sin defiles us, but Jesus cleanses.
Shame isolates us, but Jesus touches.
Disease weakens us, but Jesus heals.
The outcast is not beyond His mercy.
Jesus healed the centurion’s servant and marvelled at faith.
Matthew 8:8–10
“The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof:
but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me...
When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed,
Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.”
Jesus praised the faith of a Gentile soldier.
This points forward to the gospel going to all nations.
Jesus had compassion on the crowds.
Matthew 9:35–36
“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages,
teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom,
and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them,
because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.”
Jesus saw the multitudes not as interruptions, but as sheep without a shepherd.
Then He said:
Matthew 9:37–38
“Then saith he unto his disciples,
The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest,
that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”
Matthew was one of those labourers.
The man who had once collected taxes from people became a man who helped gather souls to Christ.
That is what grace does.
It changes a taker into a witness.
It changes a publican into an apostle.
It changes a sinner into a servant.
Matthew followed Jesus immediately, but following Jesus is not casual.
Jesus said:
Matthew 10:37–39
“He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me:
and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
He that findeth his life shall lose it:
and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.”
Jesus must be loved above all.
This does not mean sinful hatred of family. It means supreme allegiance to Christ.
Matthew left his tax table.
Peter and Andrew left their nets.
James and John left the boat.
Discipleship requires leaving the old life behind.
Jesus said:
Matthew 16:24–26
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,
If any man will come after me, let him deny himself,
and take up his cross, and follow me.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it:
and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world,
and lose his own soul?
or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Matthew would have understood this deeply.
He had sat at a place of money. He had known the pull of gain. But what is a man profited if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?
The tax table could not give Matthew eternal life.
Money could not cleanse Matthew’s sin.
Rome could not give Matthew peace with God.
Respectability could not make Matthew righteous.
Only Jesus could save him.
The call remains:
Deny yourself.
Take up your cross.
Follow Jesus.
In Matthew 16, Jesus asks His disciples who people say He is.
Matthew 16:13–14
“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi,
he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist:
some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.”
Then Jesus asks the personal question.
Matthew 16:15
“He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?”
Peter answers:
Matthew 16:16
“And Simon Peter answered and said,
Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
That is the great confession.
Jesus is the Christ.
Jesus is the Messiah.
Jesus is the Son of the living God.
Jesus responds:
Matthew 16:17–18
“And Jesus answered and said unto him,
Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona:
for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee,
but my Father which is in heaven.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my church;
and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Jesus builds His church.
Not Matthew.
Not Peter by his own strength.
Not human politics.
Not religious programs.
Jesus builds His church.
And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
The church belongs to Christ because He purchased it with His blood.
Acts 20:28
“Feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”
Matthew shows us that Christ calls sinners, forms disciples, and builds His church upon the revelation of who He is.
The church is not built on human wisdom.
The church is not built on entertainment.
The church is not built on worldly power.
The church is built on Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.
Paul says:
1 Corinthians 3:11
“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
Matthew does not only show mercy. He also shows Jesus rebuking hypocrisy.
In Matthew 23, Jesus speaks strongly against the scribes and Pharisees.
Matthew 23:25–28
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!
for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter,
but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter,
that the outside of them may be clean also.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!
for ye are like unto whited sepulchres,
which indeed appear beautiful outward,
but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men,
but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.”
Jesus hates hypocrisy because hypocrisy hides sin under religion.
Matthew the publican knew he was a sinner.
The Pharisee often refused to admit it.
This is dangerous.
A publican who repents is nearer to the kingdom than a religious hypocrite who justifies himself.
Jesus taught this in a parable.
Luke 18:10–14
“Two men went up into the temple to pray;
the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself,
God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are...
And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven,
but smote upon his breast, saying,
God be merciful to me a sinner.
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other:
for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased;
and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
Matthew had been a publican. He knew the mercy of Jesus.
The danger is not only obvious sin. The danger is religious pride that refuses mercy because it refuses to confess sin.
Jesus said:
Matthew 5:20
“For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees,
ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
We need a righteousness greater than outward religion.
We need the righteousness of Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:21
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Matthew presents Jesus as King, but this King goes to the cross.
Jesus repeatedly told His disciples that He would suffer, die, and rise again.
Matthew 16:21
“From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples,
how that he must go unto Jerusalem,
and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes,
and be killed, and be raised again the third day.”
Jesus did not go to the cross by accident. He knew why He came.
At the Last Supper, Jesus said:
Matthew 26:26–28
“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it,
and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying,
Drink ye all of it;
For this is my blood of the new testament,
which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
His blood is shed for the remission of sins.
Matthew began by saying:
Matthew 1:21
“He shall save his people from their sins.”
Now we see how.
By His blood.
By His death.
By the cross.
By the new covenant.
Jesus was betrayed, arrested, mocked, beaten, and crucified.
Matthew 27:35–37
“And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots:
that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet...
And sitting down they watched him there;
And set up over his head his accusation written,
THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
The sign over His head said, “This is Jesus the King of the Jews.”
The King was crucified.
The crown He wore was a crown of thorns.
Matthew 27:29
“And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head,
and a reed in his right hand:
and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying,
Hail, King of the Jews!”
They mocked Him as King, but He truly was King.
He was not powerless. He said:
Matthew 26:53–54
“Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father,
and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?”
Jesus could have called angels, but He chose the cross.
Why?
Because He came to save sinners.
Matthew 20:28
“Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto,
but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Jesus gave His life as a ransom.
The King became the sacrifice.
The Son of David became the Lamb of God.
The Judge bore judgment.
The Holy One died for sinners.
1 Peter 3:18
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins,
the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God.”
When Jesus died, creation responded, graves opened, and the temple veil was torn.
Matthew 27:50–51
“Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom;
and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent.”
The veil was torn from top to bottom.
That means God opened the way.
Under the old covenant, the veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Only the high priest entered once a year with blood.
But when Jesus died, the veil was torn.
Hebrews explains:
Hebrews 10:19–22
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us,
through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
And having an high priest over the house of God;
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.”
Through Jesus’ torn flesh, the way to God is opened.
Matthew the former tax collector would have understood mercy deeply.
A sinner can now draw near.
The unclean can be washed.
The guilty can be forgiven.
The outcast can be brought into the house of God.
The publican can become a disciple.
The far-off can be brought near.
Ephesians 2:13
“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”
Matthew does not end with the cross. He ends with resurrection.
Matthew 28:1–6
“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week,
came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
And, behold, there was a great earthquake:
for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven,
and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
And the angel answered and said unto the women,
Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.
Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
“He is not here: for he is risen.”
Jesus is alive.
The grave could not hold Him.
Death could not defeat Him.
The stone could not imprison Him.
The guards could not stop Him.
The rulers could not silence Him.
He is risen.
Paul says:
1 Corinthians 15:3–4
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received,
how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
The resurrection proves that Jesus is who He said He is.
He is the Son of God.
He is the Messiah.
He is the King.
He is the Saviour.
He is the Lord of life and death.
Romans 1:3–4
“Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
And declared to be the Son of God with power,
according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.”
The King who was crucified is the King who rose.
The risen Jesus met His disciples and gave them their mission.
Matthew 28:18–20
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,
All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
This is how Matthew ends.
All authority belongs to Jesus.
The gospel must go to all nations.
Disciples must be made.
They must be baptized.
They must be taught to obey Jesus.
And Jesus promises His presence.
“I am with you alway.”
Matthew began with Emmanuel.
Matthew 1:23
“They shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
Matthew ends with Jesus saying:
Matthew 28:20
“Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
God with us at the beginning.
Christ with us to the end.
That is Matthew’s Gospel.
Jesus is Emmanuel.
Jesus is the King.
Jesus is the Saviour.
Jesus is crucified.
Jesus is risen.
Jesus sends His people to the nations.
Jesus remains with them until the end.
Matthew was a tax collector, yet Jesus called him.
No sinner is too far for Christ to call.
Romans 10:13
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Matthew arose and followed Jesus.
Luke 5:28
“And he left all, rose up, and followed him.”
Every believer must leave the old seat of sin and follow Christ.
Matthew shows that Jesus fulfils the law and prophets.
Matthew 5:17
“I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.”
The Old Testament points to Jesus.
John preached repentance. Jesus preached repentance.
Matthew 4:17
“Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
There is no kingdom life without turning from sin to God.
Jesus said:
Matthew 9:13
“I will have mercy, and not sacrifice.”
Religious activity without mercy does not please God.
Jesus rebuked outward religion with inward corruption.
Matthew 23:27
“Ye are like unto whited sepulchres,
which indeed appear beautiful outward,
but are within full of dead men's bones.”
God wants truth in the inward parts.
Jesus gave His blood for the remission of sins.
Matthew 26:28
“For this is my blood of the new testament,
which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
Matthew 28:18
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
The risen Christ reigns.
Matthew the Jewish Gospel ends with a mission to all nations.
Matthew 28:19
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.”
The blessing promised to Abraham goes worldwide through Jesus Christ.
Matthew 28:20
“Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
The Christian is never abandoned.
Matthew’s life is a testimony of grace.
He was sitting at the receipt of custom.
Jesus saw him.
Jesus called him.
Matthew arose.
Matthew followed.
Matthew opened his house to sinners.
Matthew became a disciple.
Matthew became an apostle.
Matthew became a witness to Jesus Christ.
And through Matthew’s Gospel, we see Jesus clearly.
Jesus is the Son of David.
Jesus is the Son of Abraham.
Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us.
Jesus is the King of the kingdom.
Jesus is the fulfiller of Scripture.
Jesus is the healer of the sick.
Jesus is the friend of sinners.
Jesus is the rebuker of hypocrites.
Jesus is the builder of the church.
Jesus is the suffering servant.
Jesus is the crucified King.
Jesus is the risen Lord.
Jesus is the One with all authority in heaven and earth.
Jesus is with His people to the end of the world.
The question now is: have you responded like Matthew?
Jesus says, “Follow me.”
Will you arise?
Will you leave the old table?
Will you leave sin?
Will you leave self-righteousness?
Will you leave the broad road?
Will you follow the King?
Jesus said:
Matthew 11:28–30
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Come to Jesus.
Not as someone pretending to be righteous.
Come as Matthew came.
Come as a sinner called by grace.
Come as one who needs mercy.
Come as one who needs forgiveness.
Come as one who needs a King.
For Jesus said:
Matthew 9:13
“I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
And:
Matthew 1:21
“He shall save his people from their sins.”
That is the good news.
Jesus saves sinners.
Jesus forgives sin.
Jesus changes lives.
Jesus builds His church.
Jesus reigns forever.
Jesus is with His people always.
So arise, and follow Him.
Father, we thank You for the life and witness of Matthew.
We thank You that Jesus called a tax collector and made him a disciple.
We thank You that no sinner is beyond the reach of Your grace.
We thank You that Jesus came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Lord, help us hear the call of Jesus: “Follow me.”
Help us leave the old table of sin, greed, pride, and self-rule.
Help us follow Christ with true faith and repentance.
We thank You for Matthew’s Gospel.
We thank You that Jesus is the Son of David, the Son of Abraham, Emmanuel, the promised King, and the Saviour of sinners.
We thank You for His blood of the new covenant, shed for the remission of sins.
We thank You that He died, rose again, and now has all authority in heaven and earth.
Lord, make us faithful disciples.
Give us mercy for sinners, courage against hypocrisy, love for truth, and obedience to Your Word.
Send us into the harvest.
Help us teach all nations.
And keep us in the promise of Jesus: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main Scriptures: Acts 12–15, Colossians 4, 2 Timothy 4, 1 Peter 5, Mark 1, Mark 8–10, Mark 14–16
Main theme: Mark’s life shows us that failure does not have to be final, that God restores servants, and that the gospel he wrote presents Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the suffering Servant, the crucified King, and the risen Lord.
When we speak of Mark, we are speaking about a man known in Scripture as John Mark or Marcus.
Strictly speaking, the New Testament does not list Mark as one of the Twelve apostles. The Twelve were men like Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Matthew, and the others. But Mark was deeply connected to the apostles. He travelled with Paul and Barnabas. He was later useful to Paul. He was closely connected with Peter. And by the grace of God, his name is attached to one of the four Gospels: the Gospel according to Mark.
Mark’s story is powerful because he was not perfect.
He began in a praying household.
He joined missionary work.
He failed and turned back.
He became the cause of a sharp dispute between Paul and Barnabas.
But later, he was restored and became profitable for ministry.
That is important for every believer.
Because many people have a chapter in their life where they turned back.
Many people have a failure they regret.
Many people have a moment when fear, immaturity, weakness, or pressure overcame them.
Many people wonder, “Can God still use me?”
Mark’s life answers: yes, God restores servants.
But Mark’s greatest importance is not Mark himself. Mark’s greatness is that he points us to Jesus Christ.
The Gospel of Mark begins:
Mark 1:1
“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”
That is Mark’s message.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
But Mark also shows Jesus as the Servant who came not to be served, but to serve and give His life.
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister,
and to give his life a ransom for many.”
That verse is like the heart of Mark’s Gospel.
Jesus is the Son of God.
Jesus is the Servant of the Lord.
Jesus is the miracle-working King.
Jesus is the One with authority over demons, disease, sin, storms, and death.
Jesus is the One rejected by men.
Jesus is the One crucified for sinners.
Jesus is the One risen from the dead.
And Mark, the restored servant, became a witness to the suffering Servant.
The first clear picture we get of Mark is in Acts 12.
Peter had been arrested by Herod. James the brother of John had already been killed. The church was under pressure.
Acts 12:1–3
“Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.”
Peter was put in prison, but the church prayed.
Acts 12:5
“Peter therefore was kept in prison:
but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.”
Prayer was made without ceasing.
The church did not have political power.
The church did not have an army.
The church did not control Herod.
But the church had access to God.
And God answered.
The angel of the Lord came to Peter in prison.
Acts 12:7
“And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him,
and a light shined in the prison:
and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying,
Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.”
The chains fell off.
God opened the prison doors, and Peter was delivered.
Then Peter went to a house.
Acts 12:12
“And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John,
whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.”
This is our first clear introduction to Mark.
His mother was Mary.
Her house was a place of prayer.
The believers gathered there.
Peter went there after being delivered.
Mark grew up around prayer, persecution, miracles, and the fellowship of believers.
This teaches us the importance of a godly home.
Mark’s mother opened her house for the church.
Her home was not merely a private comfort zone.
It was a place where saints gathered.
It was a place of intercession.
It was a place connected with the work of God.
The Bible says:
Romans 12:12–13
“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”
Mary, Mark’s mother, seems to have lived this out. Her home was given to hospitality and prayer.
A praying home can shape a future servant of God.
Parents may not know what God will do with their children.
A mother may not know that a boy in her house will one day help carry the gospel.
A family may not know that their table, prayers, and hospitality are preparing someone for ministry.
Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go:
and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Mark’s story begins in a house where many were gathered praying.
That is a good beginning.
Mark was also connected to Barnabas.
Colossians tells us:
Colossians 4:10
“Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas,
touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him.”
Marcus is Mark. He was related to Barnabas.
Barnabas was a great encourager in the early church.
Acts 4:36–37
“And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas,
which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation, a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.”
Barnabas means “son of consolation” or “son of encouragement.”
Barnabas helped Paul when others were afraid of him after his conversion.
Acts 9:26–27
“And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples:
but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles,
and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way.”
Barnabas was the kind of man who saw grace in people when others only saw their past.
This matters for Mark.
Mark had Barnabas in his life, an encourager, a man willing to stand beside those others doubted.
Then Mark joins Paul and Barnabas in ministry.
Acts 12:25
“And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry,
and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.”
Mark was brought into the work.
Then in Acts 13, when the Holy Ghost sent Barnabas and Saul out, Mark went with them.
Acts 13:2–5
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted,
the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia;
and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews:
and they had also John to their minister.”
John Mark was their minister, their helper.
He was not leading the mission, but he was serving in the mission.
That is important.
Not everyone begins as a preacher.
Not everyone begins as a leader.
Some begin as helpers.
Some carry supplies.
Some assist.
Some serve quietly.
Some support the work.
But helping in the work of God is still holy service.
1 Corinthians 12:18
“But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.”
And:
1 Corinthians 12:21–22
“And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee:
nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary.”
Mark began as a helper.
There is no shame in beginning as a servant. In fact, in the kingdom of God, greatness comes through service.
Jesus said:
Mark 9:35
“If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.”
Mark, the Gospel writer who would later record those words, had to learn the way of service.
Then comes the painful part of Mark’s story.
In Acts 13, Paul and Barnabas continued the missionary journey, but Mark departed.
Acts 13:13
“Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos,
they came to Perga in Pamphylia:
and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.”
John Mark departed from them and returned to Jerusalem.
The Bible does not explain all the reasons.
Maybe he was afraid.
Maybe the journey became harder than expected.
Maybe he missed home.
Maybe he did not agree with the direction of the mission.
Maybe he was immature.
Maybe spiritual pressure overwhelmed him.
Scripture does not tell us the inner reason. But it does tell us that Paul later regarded it as a serious departure.
This is important because the Bible is honest about servants of God.
Noah got drunk.
Abraham feared and lied.
Moses became angry.
David sinned grievously.
Elijah became discouraged.
Peter denied Jesus.
Thomas doubted.
John Mark turned back.
The Bible does not give us fake heroes. It gives us real people under the mercy of a real God.
Mark’s failure should warn us: ministry is not easy.
There is spiritual warfare.
There is hardship.
There is pressure.
There is fear.
There is weariness.
There is conflict.
There is loneliness.
There are moments when people turn back.
Jesus warned that some receive the word with joy, but fall away when difficulty comes.
Mark 4:16–17
“And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground;
who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time:
afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.”
The Christian life needs root.
Emotion alone is not enough.
Excitement alone is not enough.
A good beginning alone is not enough.
We need endurance.
Jesus said:
Matthew 24:13
“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
Mark turned back. And his turning back had consequences.
Later, Paul wanted to revisit the churches.
Acts 15:36
“And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas,
Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord,
and see how they do.”
Barnabas wanted to take Mark.
Acts 15:37
“And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.”
But Paul disagreed.
Acts 15:38
“But Paul thought not good to take him with them,
who departed from them from Pamphylia,
and went not with them to the work.”
Paul remembered that Mark had left the work.
Then Scripture says:
Acts 15:39–40
“And the contention was so sharp between them,
that they departed asunder one from the other:
and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.”
This is a sad moment.
Paul and Barnabas, who had ministered together powerfully, separated over Mark.
Who was right?
There may have been truth on both sides.
Paul was concerned about the mission. The work was serious. A helper who had turned back could endanger the work again. Paul’s concern was not foolish.
Barnabas was concerned about restoration. He saw potential in Mark. He did not want Mark’s failure to be final. Barnabas, the son of encouragement, stood by him.
This teaches us that ministry requires both faithfulness and restoration.
There must be seriousness about the work.
There must also be mercy for the fallen.
Some people are too quick to trust without wisdom.
Others are too quick to discard without mercy.
The Bible says:
Galatians 6:1
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault,
ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness;
considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
Restore such an one.
Not crush him.
Not flatter him.
Not ignore the fault.
Restore him in meekness.
Barnabas took Mark.
Mark needed someone who believed God was not finished with him.
This is a word for the church.
There are people who have failed and need correction.
There are people who have turned back and need restoration.
There are people who need a Barnabas to help them stand again.
Jesus restored Peter after Peter denied Him.
Peter denied Jesus three times.
Luke 22:60–62
“And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest.
And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.
And Peter remembered the word of the Lord...
And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.”
But after the resurrection, Jesus restored Peter.
John 21:15–17
“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?
He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.
He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.”
If Jesus restored Peter, He can restore Mark.
And if Jesus restored Peter and Mark, He can restore us.
The beautiful thing is that Mark’s story does not end in Acts 15.
Later, Paul mentions Mark in a positive way.
In Colossians, Paul writes:
Colossians 4:10
“Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas,
touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him.”
“Receive him.”
This means Mark was no longer rejected. Paul wanted the church to receive him.
In Philemon, Paul lists Mark among his fellow labourers.
Philemon 1:23–24
“There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;
Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.”
Mark is called a fellow labourer.
The man who once left the work is now a fellow worker.
Then near the end of Paul’s life, he writes to Timothy:
2 Timothy 4:11
“Only Luke is with me.
Take Mark, and bring him with thee:
for he is profitable to me for the ministry.”
That is one of the most encouraging verses in the New Testament.
“Take Mark.”
“Bring him with thee.”
“He is profitable to me for the ministry.”
Paul, who once did not want to take Mark, now asks for Mark.
The one once considered unreliable is now profitable.
This is restoration.
Failure did not have the last word.
Acts 13 did not have the last word.
Acts 15 did not have the last word.
God’s grace had the last word.
This should give hope.
You may have failed, but God can restore you.
You may have turned back, but God can make you useful.
You may have caused disappointment, but God can rebuild trust over time.
You may have a painful past, but God can write a fruitful future.
The Bible says:
Joel 2:25
“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten.”
And:
Psalm 23:3
“He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.”
Restoration does not always mean there are no consequences. Mark’s failure caused real consequences. But restoration means failure is not final when grace takes hold.
Paul says:
1 Corinthians 15:10
“But by the grace of God I am what I am:
and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain;
but I laboured more abundantly than they all:
yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”
That could be Mark’s testimony too.
By the grace of God, Mark became profitable.
Peter also mentions Mark.
1 Peter 5:13
“The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you;
and so doth Marcus my son.”
Peter calls Mark “my son.”
This likely means Mark was spiritually close to Peter, perhaps even converted or discipled under Peter’s influence.
That is powerful because Peter himself knew failure and restoration.
Peter denied Jesus.
Mark turned back from mission.
Peter was restored.
Mark was restored.
Peter could minister to Mark because Peter knew what it was to fall and be lifted by grace.
Jesus told Peter before his fall:
Luke 22:31–32
“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you,
that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not:
and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”
“When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”
Peter’s restored life became a means of strengthening others.
That is often how God works.
The person who has been comforted can comfort others.
The person who has been restored can help restore others.
The person who has been forgiven much can love much.
Paul says:
2 Corinthians 1:3–4
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation,
that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble,
by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
Mark had Peter in his life.
Mark had Barnabas in his life.
Mark later had Paul’s approval again.
This reminds us that God often restores people through relationships in the body of Christ.
No believer is meant to walk alone.
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow:
but woe to him that is alone when he falleth;
for he hath not another to help him up.”
Mark fell, but God gave him people to help him up.
Now we turn from Mark the man to the Gospel bearing his name.
The Gospel of Mark begins with no long genealogy and no birth narrative. It begins with a direct announcement:
Mark 1:1
“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”
This is the beginning of good news.
Not good advice.
Not religious philosophy.
Not human improvement.
Good news.
And the good news is about a Person: Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Mark then immediately connects Jesus to Old Testament prophecy.
Mark 1:2–3
“As it is written in the prophets,
Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
The voice of one crying in the wilderness,
Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”
John the Baptist comes preparing the way.
Mark 1:4
“John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”
The gospel begins with repentance.
Not self-improvement.
Not religious pride.
Not pretending sin does not matter.
Repentance.
John preached that One greater than him was coming.
Mark 1:7–8
“And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me,
the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.
I indeed have baptized you with water:
but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.”
Then Jesus comes.
Mark 1:9–11
“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee,
and was baptized of John in Jordan.
And straightway coming up out of the water,
he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:
And there came a voice from heaven, saying,
Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
The Father speaks.
The Spirit descends.
The Son is revealed.
Jesus is the beloved Son.
This is the One Mark proclaims.
Mark’s Gospel moves quickly. Again and again, Jesus acts with authority.
He preaches the kingdom.
Mark 1:14–15
“Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee,
preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand:
repent ye, and believe the gospel.”
Repent and believe the gospel.
That is still the call today.
Jesus calls disciples.
Mark 1:16–18
“Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee,
he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.
And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.”
Jesus commands demons.
Mark 1:23–27
“And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth?
art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.
And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.
And they were all amazed... saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this?
for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.”
Jesus has authority over demons.
Jesus heals the sick.
Mark 1:40–42
“And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him,
and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him,
and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.
And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him,
and he was cleansed.”
Jesus is moved with compassion.
He does not merely have power. He has mercy.
Jesus forgives sins.
Mark 2:5–12
“When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy,
Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves,
he said unto them...
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins,
he saith to the sick of the palsy,
I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
And immediately he arose.”
Jesus has authority to forgive sins.
This is why Mark’s opening matters: Jesus is the Son of God.
Only God can forgive sins.
Jesus forgives sins.
Therefore Jesus is not merely a teacher. He is God the Son.
Mark’s Gospel also records the calling of Levi, another name for Matthew.
Mark 2:14
“And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom,
and said unto him, Follow me.
And he arose and followed him.”
Then Jesus ate with publicans and sinners.
Mark 2:15–17
“And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house,
many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples:
for there were many, and they followed him.
And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners,
they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?
When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them,
They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick:
I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
This is the heart of the gospel.
Jesus came for sinners.
Not because sin is acceptable.
Not because repentance is unnecessary.
But because sinners need a Saviour.
The sick need a physician.
The guilty need forgiveness.
The enslaved need deliverance.
The unclean need cleansing.
The lost need to be found.
Jesus came to call sinners to repentance.
Mark himself would have understood this. He had failed, and yet he was restored. He knew Jesus did not discard broken servants.
Paul says:
Romans 5:8
“But God commendeth his love toward us,
in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Mark does not present discipleship as easy.
Jesus said:
Mark 8:34–37
“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also,
he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself,
and take up his cross, and follow me.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it;
but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Deny yourself.
Take up the cross.
Follow Jesus.
This is not casual religion.
This is not adding Jesus to an unchanged life.
This is surrender.
The cross was not jewellery to Mark’s first readers. It was an instrument of death. Jesus was saying that discipleship means dying to self-rule and following Him no matter the cost.
Then Jesus says:
Mark 8:38
“Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words
in this adulterous and sinful generation;
of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed,
when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Do not be ashamed of Jesus.
Mark had once turned back. But the restored Mark became a witness to the gospel of the crucified Christ.
This tells us something.
A restored disciple must learn courage.
A restored servant must no longer be ruled by fear.
A restored worker must take up the cross and follow.
Paul told Timothy:
2 Timothy 1:7–8
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;
but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord.”
Do not be ashamed.
The world may mock Jesus.
The world may reject the cross.
The world may hate repentance.
The world may despise holiness.
But the disciple follows Christ.
The central verse of Mark’s Gospel is:
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister,
and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Jesus came not to be served, but to serve.
This is astonishing.
He is the Son of God.
He commands demons.
He forgives sins.
He stills storms.
He raises the dead.
He is Lord.
Yet He came to serve.
The disciples were arguing about greatness.
Mark 10:42–44
“But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them,
Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them;
and their great ones exercise authority upon them.
But so shall it not be among you:
but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.”
This is the kingdom of God.
The world says greatness is power over others.
Jesus says greatness is service.
The world says greatness is being seen.
Jesus says greatness is becoming servant of all.
The world says climb higher.
Jesus says humble yourself.
Then He points to Himself.
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister,
and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Jesus’ service reaches its highest point at the cross.
He gives His life as a ransom.
A ransom is a price paid to set captives free.
We were captives to sin.
Captives to death.
Captives to guilt.
Captives under judgment.
Jesus gave His life to redeem us.
1 Peter 1:18–19
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things,
as silver and gold...
But with the precious blood of Christ,
as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
Jesus is the Servant who saves by His blood.
Isaiah prophesied of the suffering servant.
Isaiah 53:5–6
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way;
and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
Jesus fulfilled this.
He came to serve.
He came to suffer.
He came to die.
He came to ransom many.
Mark records Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane.
Mark 14:32–34
“And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane:
and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.
And he taketh with him Peter and James and John,
and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;
And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death:
tarry ye here, and watch.”
Jesus was not pretending to suffer.
He was truly sorrowful.
He truly entered anguish.
He truly faced the cup.
He prayed:
Mark 14:35–36
“And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground,
and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.
And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee;
take away this cup from me:
nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.”
“Not what I will, but what thou wilt.”
Here we see the perfect obedience of Christ.
Adam in the garden said by his actions, “Not Thy will, but mine.”
Jesus in the garden said, “Not what I will, but what thou wilt.”
By one man’s disobedience, sin entered the world.
By Christ’s obedience, salvation comes.
Romans 5:19
“For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners,
so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”
Jesus submitted to the Father’s will.
He would drink the cup.
He would bear the wrath.
He would go to the cross.
He would give His life a ransom for many.
Mark does not flatter the disciples.
They argue.
They misunderstand.
They fear.
They sleep in Gethsemane.
They flee when Jesus is arrested.
Peter denies Him.
Jesus warned them:
Mark 14:27
“And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night:
for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.”
Peter insisted he would not fall.
Mark 14:29–31
“But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.
And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee,
That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice,
thou shalt deny me thrice.
But he spake the more vehemently,
If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise.
Likewise also said they all.”
But Peter denied Jesus.
Mark 14:66–72
“And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest...
And he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest...
And the second time the cock crew.
And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him,
Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.
And when he thought thereon, he wept.”
Peter wept.
Mark’s Gospel knows the weakness of disciples.
That fits Mark’s own life. Mark too had turned back. Mark knew failure. Peter knew failure. But both were restored by grace.
This is a warning against self-confidence.
1 Corinthians 10:12
“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”
Peter thought he was stronger than he was.
We must not boast in our flesh. We must depend on Christ.
Jesus said:
John 15:5
“Without me ye can do nothing.”
Nothing.
Not a little.
Nothing.
Mark’s Gospel moves rapidly toward the cross.
Jesus is betrayed, arrested, falsely accused, mocked, beaten, and crucified.
Mark 15:16–20
“And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium;
and they call together the whole band.
And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,
And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!
And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him,
and bowing their knees worshipped him.
And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him,
and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.”
They mocked the King.
They crowned Him with thorns.
They bowed in false worship.
They led Him to the cross.
Then Mark says:
Mark 15:24–26
“And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them,
what every man should take.
And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.
And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
The King is crucified.
The people mocked.
Mark 15:29–32
“And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying,
Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,
Save thyself, and come down from the cross.
Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes,
He saved others; himself he cannot save.”
“He saved others; himself he cannot save.”
They meant it as mockery, but they spoke deeper truth than they understood.
If Jesus saved Himself from the cross, He would not save sinners.
He stayed on the cross because He came to give His life a ransom for many.
Then darkness came.
Mark 15:33–34
“And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying,
Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?
which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
Jesus quotes Psalm 22.
He enters the depth of suffering.
He bears sin.
He stands in the place of sinners.
Then He dies.
Mark 15:37–38
“And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.
And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.”
The veil was torn.
The way into God’s presence was opened by the death of Christ.
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 10:19–20
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us,
through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.”
Then the centurion speaks.
Mark 15:39
“And when the centurion, which stood over against him,
saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said,
Truly this man was the Son of God.”
Mark began:
Mark 1:1
“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”
At the cross, a Roman centurion says:
“Truly this man was the Son of God.”
Mark wants us to see: the crucified One is the Son of God.
Jesus was buried, but He did not remain in the tomb.
The women came to the sepulchre.
Mark 16:2–6
“And very early in the morning the first day of the week,
they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away:
for it was very great.
And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side,
clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted:
Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified:
he is risen; he is not here:
behold the place where they laid him.”
“He is risen; he is not here.”
That is the good news.
Jesus died.
Jesus was buried.
Jesus rose again.
Paul says:
1 Corinthians 15:3–4
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received,
how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
Then comes a beautiful word in Mark:
Mark 16:7
“But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter
that he goeth before you into Galilee:
there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.”
“Tell his disciples and Peter.”
Peter had denied Jesus.
Peter had wept bitterly.
Peter might have wondered if he was still included.
But the angel says, “and Peter.”
Grace calls out the failed disciple by name.
That fits Mark’s whole life.
Mark failed and was restored.
Peter failed and was restored.
The gospel is carried by restored sinners who know the mercy of the risen Christ.
The risen Jesus sends His people to proclaim the gospel.
Mark 16:15
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel to every creature.”
The gospel is not to be hidden.
It is to be preached.
To every creature.
To all nations.
To sinners.
To failures.
To religious people.
To outcasts.
To rulers.
To the poor.
To the broken.
To the guilty.
Because Jesus died and rose again.
Mark came from a house where believers gathered to pray.
Acts 12:12
“Many were gathered together praying.”
Do not underestimate the power of a praying home.
Mark began as a helper.
Acts 13:5
“And they had also John to their minister.”
Do not despise small beginnings. Serve faithfully where God places you.
Mark departed from the work.
Acts 13:13
“John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.”
Turning back has consequences. Ministry requires endurance.
Mark was later restored.
2 Timothy 4:11
“Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.”
God can make a failed servant profitable again.
Paul cared about the seriousness of the work. Barnabas cared about restoring Mark.
Galatians 6:1
“Restore such an one in the spirit of meekness.”
We need truth and mercy.
Mark’s Gospel begins:
Mark 1:1
“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”
Everything depends on who Jesus is.
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister,
and to give his life a ransom for many.”
The Son of God became the suffering Servant.
Mark 8:34
“Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself,
and take up his cross, and follow me.”
There is no true discipleship without surrender.
Mark 16:7
“Tell his disciples and Peter.”
The risen Christ remembers the fallen and calls them back.
Mark 16:15
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
Restored servants must become gospel witnesses.
Mark’s life is a message of grace.
He began in a praying home.
He served with Paul and Barnabas.
He turned back from the work.
His failure contributed to a sharp division.
Barnabas stood by him.
Peter called him his son.
Paul later called him profitable.
And God attached his name to a Gospel that proclaims Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
That is mercy.
Mark’s Gospel shows us Jesus in power and service.
Jesus commands demons.
Jesus heals lepers.
Jesus forgives sins.
Jesus stills storms.
Jesus raises the dead.
Jesus calls sinners.
Jesus rebukes hypocrisy.
Jesus teaches the cross.
Jesus gives His life a ransom for many.
Jesus is crucified.
Jesus rises again.
Jesus sends His people to preach the gospel.
So the message of Mark is not finally about Mark.
It is about Jesus.
Jesus is the Son of God.
Jesus is the Servant of the Lord.
Jesus is the ransom for sinners.
Jesus is the crucified King.
Jesus is the risen Lord.
Jesus is the restorer of failed disciples.
Jesus is the One who still says, “Follow me.”
Maybe you are like Mark.
You began well, but turned back.
You served once, but failed.
You disappointed others.
You wonder whether you can ever be useful again.
Come to Jesus.
Maybe you are like Peter.
You made bold claims, but denied the Lord under pressure.
You wept bitterly.
You wonder whether Jesus still calls your name.
Come to Jesus.
Maybe you are like Levi the tax collector.
You are sitting at the table of your old life.
Money, sin, shame, pride, or compromise has held you there.
But Jesus is passing by and saying, “Follow me.”
Come to Jesus.
He came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Mark 2:17
“They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick:
I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
He came to give His life a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister,
and to give his life a ransom for many.”
He died and rose again.
Mark 16:6
“Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified:
he is risen; he is not here.”
And He still restores.
Psalm 23:3
“He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.”
So arise.
Follow Christ.
Return to the work.
Receive His mercy.
Take up your cross.
Preach the gospel.
Serve the Servant King.
For by the grace of God, the one who once turned back can become profitable for the ministry.
Father, we thank You for the life of Mark.
We thank You for his beginning in a praying household.
We thank You for his service with Paul and Barnabas.
We thank You that even though he turned back, his failure was not final.
We thank You for Barnabas, who stood beside him.
We thank You for Peter, who called him his son.
We thank You for Paul, who later said Mark was profitable for the ministry.
Lord, restore those who have failed.
Strengthen those who are tempted to turn back.
Give us endurance in the work of the gospel.
Make us faithful servants.
Most of all, we thank You for Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Thank You that He came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.
Thank You that He gave His life a ransom for many.
Thank You that He died for sinners.
Thank You that He rose from the dead.
Thank You that He restores failed disciples and sends them to preach the gospel.
Help us deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him.
Help us not be ashamed of Jesus or His words.
Help us go into the world with the good news.
Make us profitable for the ministry, not by our strength, but by Your grace.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main Scriptures: Luke 1, Luke 4, Luke 15, Luke 19, Luke 23–24, Acts 1–2, Colossians 4, 2 Timothy 4
Main theme: Luke teaches us that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of sinners, the Son of man, the fulfilment of Scripture, the healer of the broken, the friend of the lost, and the risen Lord whose gospel must be preached to all nations.
When we speak about Luke, we should first say something clearly.
Luke was not one of the Twelve apostles listed in the Gospels. The Twelve included Peter, Andrew, James, John, Matthew, Thomas, and the others. But Luke was deeply connected with the apostolic ministry. He travelled with Paul. He was called a fellow labourer. He was called the beloved physician. He wrote the Gospel according to Luke and the book of Acts.
So Luke was not one of the Twelve, but he was an apostolic companion, a faithful servant, a careful historian, a physician, a missionary co-worker, and a Spirit-led writer of Scripture.
Paul calls him:
Colossians 4:14
“Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.”
Luke was a physician. A doctor. A man familiar with sickness, weakness, suffering, and human need.
Paul also names him among his fellow labourers.
Philemon 1:24
“Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.”
And near the end of Paul’s life, when many had departed, Paul wrote:
2 Timothy 4:11
“Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.”
“Only Luke is with me.”
That is a powerful testimony.
Luke was faithful when others were gone.
Luke stayed when the road was hard.
Luke served when Paul was imprisoned.
Luke was not merely a writer; he was a companion in suffering, mission, and gospel labour.
But Luke’s greatness is not finally in Luke himself. Luke’s greatness is that he points us to Jesus Christ.
Luke begins his Gospel by telling us why he wrote.
Luke 1:1–4
“Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first,
to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.”
Luke wrote so that people might know the certainty of the gospel.
Not rumours.
Not myths.
Not religious guesses.
Not human imagination.
Certainty.
Luke investigated carefully. He wrote in order. He wanted Theophilus, and through him all readers, to know that Jesus Christ is real, that the gospel is true, and that salvation has come through the Lord Jesus.
Then Luke wrote Acts as the continuation.
Acts 1:1–3
“The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
Until the day in which he was taken up...
To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs,
being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”
Luke’s Gospel tells what Jesus began to do and teach.
Acts tells what the risen Jesus continued to do by the Holy Ghost through His church.
So today we look at Luke: the man, the physician, the companion, the writer, and above all the witness to Jesus Christ.
Paul calls Luke:
Colossians 4:14
“Luke, the beloved physician.”
That title is beautiful.
Beloved physician.
Luke was a doctor, but he became a witness to the Great Physician.
He knew something about bodies, sickness, weakness, pain, wounds, and healing. But through the gospel he came to know the One who heals not only bodies but souls.
Jesus said:
Luke 5:31–32
“They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.
I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
This verse fits Luke so well.
Luke was a physician, and in his Gospel he records Jesus saying that sinners are spiritually sick and need the true Physician.
Sin is a disease deeper than any physical illness.
Sin corrupts the heart.
Sin blinds the mind.
Sin enslaves the will.
Sin separates man from God.
Sin leads to death.
The prophet Isaiah described the spiritual sickness of the people:
Isaiah 1:5–6
“The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.
From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it;
but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores.”
That is mankind apart from God.
Spiritually wounded.
Spiritually diseased.
Spiritually unclean.
Spiritually dying.
But Jesus is the true Physician.
Luke records many healings of Jesus.
Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law.
Luke 4:38–39
“And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house.
And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.
And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her:
and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.”
Jesus healed multitudes.
Luke 4:40
“Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him;
and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.”
Jesus touched the leper.
Luke 5:12–13
“And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy:
who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying,
Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying,
I will: be thou clean.
And immediately the leprosy departed from him.”
Luke the physician would have known how terrible leprosy was. Yet Jesus touched the untouchable.
Under the law, the unclean could make others unclean. But with Jesus, the power moves the other way. His cleanness overcomes uncleanness. His life overcomes death. His holiness overcomes defilement.
Jesus healed the paralyzed man, but first He forgave his sins.
Luke 5:20–24
“And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.
And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying,
Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?
But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them...
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins,
he said unto the sick of the palsy,
I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.”
Jesus heals bodies, but the greater miracle is forgiveness of sins.
Luke the beloved physician points us to Jesus, the Great Physician.
One of the great themes in Luke is that Jesus came for all kinds of people.
Jews and Gentiles.
Men and women.
Rich and poor.
Religious and irreligious.
The respected and the despised.
The clean and the unclean.
The strong and the broken.
The lost and the outcast.
At the birth of Jesus, the angel announced:
Luke 2:10–11
“Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,
which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord.”
Good tidings.
Great joy.
All people.
A Saviour.
Christ the Lord.
Luke emphasizes that salvation is not only for one small group. Jesus is the Saviour for all who come to Him by faith.
When Simeon saw the baby Jesus, he said:
Luke 2:29–32
“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.”
Jesus is the glory of Israel and a light to the Gentiles.
That means the gospel is for the nations.
This connects to God’s promise to Abraham:
Genesis 12:3
“And in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
Luke shows that blessing coming in Jesus Christ.
At the end of Luke’s Gospel, the risen Jesus says:
Luke 24:46–47
“Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer,
and to rise from the dead the third day:
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name
among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
Repentance and remission of sins among all nations.
Then Acts continues this mission.
Acts 1:8
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:
and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea,
and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Jerusalem.
Judaea.
Samaria.
The uttermost part of the earth.
Luke’s writings show the gospel moving outward.
From Israel to the nations.
From Jerusalem to Rome.
From the Jews to Gentiles.
From the temple courts to the ends of the earth.
This is the heart of God.
Acts 10:34–35
“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said,
Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”
And Paul preached:
Acts 13:38–39
“Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren,
that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
And by him all that believe are justified from all things.”
All that believe.
Luke’s message is clear: Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world, and forgiveness is preached in His name.
Luke gives us one of the richest accounts of the birth of Jesus.
The angel Gabriel came to Mary.
Luke 1:30–33
“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son,
and shalt call his name JESUS.
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest:
and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever;
and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”
This child is Jesus.
He is the Son of the Highest.
He is heir to David’s throne.
His kingdom has no end.
Mary asked:
Luke 1:34
“How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?”
The angel answered:
Luke 1:35
“The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee:
therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”
Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost. He is truly man, born of Mary. He is truly God, the Son of God.
This is the mystery of the incarnation.
God came in the flesh.
John says:
John 1:14
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,
and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,
full of grace and truth.”
Paul says:
1 Timothy 3:16
“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:
God was manifest in the flesh.”
Luke shows that salvation begins not with man climbing up to God, but with God coming down to man.
Mary responded with faith:
Luke 1:38
“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord;
be it unto me according to thy word.”
That is the response of faith.
Be it unto me according to thy word.
Then Mary praised God.
Luke 1:46–47
“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.”
Even Mary called God her Saviour.
That is important. Mary was blessed among women, but she too rejoiced in God her Saviour.
Jesus is not only Mary’s son. He is Mary’s Saviour.
Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth humbles us.
The Son of God did not come in worldly pride.
He came in humility.
He came through a virgin.
He came to a poor family.
He was laid in a manger.
Luke 2:7
“And she brought forth her firstborn son,
and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger;
because there was no room for them in the inn.”
The King of glory lay in a manger.
This is the humility of Christ.
2 Corinthians 8:9
“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor,
that ye through his poverty might be rich.”
At the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, Luke records Jesus reading from Isaiah in the synagogue.
Luke 4:16–19
“And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up:
and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day,
and stood up for to read.
And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias.
And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor;
he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted,
to preach deliverance to the captives,
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty them that are bruised,
To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”
Then Jesus said:
Luke 4:21
“This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”
Jesus is the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy.
He is anointed by the Spirit.
He preaches good news to the poor.
He heals the brokenhearted.
He proclaims deliverance to captives.
He gives sight to the blind.
He sets at liberty those who are bruised.
This is not merely social improvement. This is kingdom salvation.
The poor need good news.
The brokenhearted need healing.
The captives need deliverance.
The blind need sight.
The bruised need liberty.
And all of this is found in Jesus.
Sin makes men poor before God.
Sin breaks hearts.
Sin enslaves.
Sin blinds.
Sin bruises.
But Jesus saves.
Isaiah had prophesied:
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me;
because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek;
he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.”
Luke shows that Jesus is the anointed Messiah who brings this liberty.
Jesus is not only a teacher of morals.
He is the deliverer of captives.
Jesus said:
John 8:36
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
Luke’s Gospel beautifully shows Jesus seeking the lost.
One of the most famous examples is Zacchaeus.
Zacchaeus was a chief publican and rich.
Luke 19:1–4
“And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus,
which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
And he sought to see Jesus who he was;
and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him:
for he was to pass that way.”
Zacchaeus was despised by many. But Jesus saw him.
Luke 19:5
“And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him,
and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down;
for to day I must abide at thy house.”
Jesus called him by name.
The people complained.
Luke 19:7
“And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying,
That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.”
But Zacchaeus repented, and his repentance bore fruit.
Luke 19:8
“And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord:
Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor;
and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation,
I restore him fourfold.”
Jesus answered:
Luke 19:9–10
“And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house,
forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
This is one of the great statements of Luke’s Gospel.
The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Jesus does not only wait for the lost to find Him. He seeks the lost.
He sought Zacchaeus.
He sought the sinful woman.
He sought the prodigal.
He sought the thief on the cross.
He sought Saul of Tarsus.
He sought us.
Luke also records the sinful woman who came to Jesus with tears.
Luke 7:37–38
“And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner,
when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house,
brought an alabaster box of ointment,
And stood at his feet behind him weeping,
and began to wash his feet with tears,
and did wipe them with the hairs of her head,
and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.”
The Pharisee judged her.
But Jesus said:
Luke 7:47–50
“Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven;
for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves,
Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.”
Her sins were many.
But Jesus forgave her.
This is mercy.
Luke shows Jesus as the friend of sinners, but never as the friend of sin. He forgives sinners, saves sinners, cleanses sinners, and calls sinners into peace.
Luke 15 is one of the greatest chapters in the Bible on the mercy of God.
It begins with sinners drawing near to Jesus.
Luke 15:1–2
“Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying,
This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.”
They meant it as an accusation.
“This man receiveth sinners.”
But that accusation is our hope.
Jesus then told the parable of the lost sheep.
Luke 15:4–7
“What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them,
doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness,
and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours,
saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth,
more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”
There is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.
Then Jesus told the parable of the lost coin.
Luke 15:8–10
“Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece,
doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?
And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together,
saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God
over one sinner that repenteth.”
Again: joy over repentance.
Then Jesus told the parable of the prodigal son.
The younger son wasted everything.
Luke 15:13–16
“And not many days after the younger son gathered all together,
and took his journey into a far country,
and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land;
and he began to be in want.
And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country;
and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat:
and no man gave unto him.”
Sin promises freedom, but brings famine.
Then he came to himself.
Luke 15:17–19
“And when he came to himself, he said,
How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare,
and I perish with hunger!
I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him,
Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
And am no more worthy to be called thy son.”
This is repentance.
“I have sinned.”
Then he returned.
Luke 15:20–24
“And he arose, and came to his father.
But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion,
and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight,
and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him;
and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.”
This is the mercy of God.
The son came home confessing sin.
The father received him with compassion.
Luke’s Gospel is full of this mercy.
The lost sheep is carried.
The lost coin is found.
The lost son is welcomed.
The sinner is forgiven.
Heaven rejoices.
But the older brother was angry.
Luke 15:28–30
“And he was angry, and would not go in:
therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee,
neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment...
But as soon as this thy son was come,
which hath devoured thy living with harlots,
thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.”
The older brother pictures self-righteous religion that resents mercy.
But the father said:
Luke 15:31–32
“Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad:
for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again;
and was lost, and is found.”
Luke shows us God’s heart for the lost.
Luke emphasizes Jesus’ prayer life.
Jesus prayed at His baptism.
Luke 3:21–22
“Now when all the people were baptized,
it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying,
the heaven was opened,
And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him,
and a voice came from heaven, which said,
Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.”
Jesus withdrew to pray.
Luke 5:16
“And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.”
Jesus prayed all night before choosing the twelve.
Luke 6:12–13
“And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray,
and continued all night in prayer to God.
And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples:
and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles.”
Jesus prayed before Peter’s confession.
Luke 9:18
“And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him:
and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?”
Jesus prayed at the transfiguration.
Luke 9:28–29
“And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings,
he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.
And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered,
and his raiment was white and glistering.”
Jesus taught His disciples to pray.
Luke 11:1–4
“And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place,
when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him,
Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
And he said unto them, When ye pray, say,
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
Give us day by day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.”
Jesus prayed for Peter before Peter fell.
Luke 22:31–32
“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you,
that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not:
and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”
Jesus prayed in Gethsemane.
Luke 22:41–42
“And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast,
and kneeled down, and prayed,
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me:
nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”
Jesus prayed on the cross.
Luke 23:34
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
And at death:
Luke 23:46
“And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said,
Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit:
and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.”
Luke shows Jesus as the praying Son.
If Jesus prayed, how much more must we pray?
The church in Acts is born in prayer.
Acts 1:14
“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.”
The early church continued in prayers.
Acts 2:42
“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,
and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
Prayer is not a decoration on Christian life. Prayer is breath.
Luke’s writings strongly emphasize the Holy Ghost.
John the Baptist would be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Luke 1:15
“For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord...
and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.”
Mary conceived by the Holy Ghost.
Luke 1:35
“The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee.”
Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.
Luke 1:41
“And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary,
the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.”
Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost.
Luke 1:67
“And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied.”
The Holy Ghost descended on Jesus.
Luke 3:22
“And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him.”
Jesus was full of the Holy Ghost.
Luke 4:1
“And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan,
and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.”
Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit.
Luke 4:14
“And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee.”
Jesus promised the Spirit to His disciples.
Luke 24:49
“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you:
but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem,
until ye be endued with power from on high.”
Then Acts records Pentecost.
Acts 2:1–4
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come,
they were all with one accord in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind,
and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire,
and it sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost,
and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
The church does not continue the mission of Jesus in human strength alone. The church needs the power of the Holy Ghost.
Jesus said:
Acts 1:8
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:
and ye shall be witnesses unto me.”
Power to witness.
Power to preach.
Power to endure.
Power to suffer.
Power to obey.
Power to carry the gospel to the nations.
Luke teaches us that the Christian life is impossible without the Spirit of God.
Luke’s Gospel moves toward the cross.
Jesus repeatedly told His disciples He must suffer.
Luke 9:22
“The Son of man must suffer many things,
and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes,
and be slain, and be raised the third day.”
Again:
Luke 18:31–33
“Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them,
Behold, we go up to Jerusalem,
and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.
For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles,
and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:
And they shall scourge him, and put him to death:
and the third day he shall rise again.”
Jesus knew what He came to do.
At the Last Supper, Jesus said:
Luke 22:19–20
“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it,
and gave unto them, saying,
This is my body which is given for you:
this do in remembrance of me.
Likewise also the cup after supper, saying,
This cup is the new testament in my blood,
which is shed for you.”
His body given for you.
His blood shed for you.
At the cross, Luke records Jesus praying for His enemies.
Luke 23:33–34
“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary,
there they crucified him, and the malefactors,
one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them;
for they know not what they do.”
Jesus was crucified between criminals.
One mocked Him. The other feared God and confessed his guilt.
Luke 23:40–42
“But the other answering rebuked him, saying,
Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds:
but this man hath done nothing amiss.
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.”
The thief admitted guilt.
He confessed Jesus’ innocence.
He called Jesus Lord.
He believed Jesus had a kingdom.
Jesus answered:
Luke 23:43
“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee,
To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
This is mercy at the edge of death.
The thief had no time to earn salvation.
No time to be baptized.
No time to repair his whole life.
No time to perform good works.
But he looked to Jesus in faith, and Jesus saved him.
This does not teach us to delay repentance. It teaches us that salvation is by grace.
Ephesians 2:8–9
“For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Luke shows that forgiveness comes through the crucified Christ.
Luke does not end at the cross. He shows the empty tomb.
Luke 24:1–6
“Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning,
they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared,
and certain others with them.
And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout,
behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth,
they said unto them,
Why seek ye the living among the dead?
He is not here, but is risen.”
He is not here, but is risen.
Then Jesus met two disciples on the road to Emmaus.
They were sad and confused.
Luke 24:25–27
“Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets,
he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.”
This is one of the most important verses for understanding the Bible.
Jesus taught that Moses and all the prophets speak concerning Him.
Genesis points to Christ.
Exodus points to Christ.
Leviticus points to Christ.
Numbers points to Christ.
Deuteronomy points to Christ.
The prophets point to Christ.
The Psalms point to Christ.
Later Jesus said:
Luke 24:44–45
“And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you,
that all things must be fulfilled,
which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.”
The law, prophets, and psalms concern Jesus.
Then He gives the message to be preached:
Luke 24:46–48
“And said unto them, Thus it is written,
and thus it behoved Christ to suffer,
and to rise from the dead the third day:
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name
among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
And ye are witnesses of these things.”
This is Luke’s Gospel message:
Christ suffered.
Christ rose.
Repentance and forgiveness must be preached in His name.
This message is for all nations.
The disciples are witnesses.
Luke’s second book, Acts, shows the risen Jesus working by the Holy Ghost through His people.
Jesus ascended into heaven.
Acts 1:9–11
“And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up;
and a cloud received him out of their sight.
And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up,
behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven?
this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven,
shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”
Jesus ascended, and Jesus will return.
Then the Holy Ghost came at Pentecost, and Peter preached Christ.
Acts 2:22–24
“Ye men of Israel, hear these words;
Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs...
Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God,
ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death:
because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.”
Peter preached the cross and resurrection.
The people were convicted.
Acts 2:37–38
“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart,
and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles,
Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Then Peter said unto them,
Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ
for the remission of sins,
and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Again: repentance, forgiveness, and the Holy Ghost.
The early church continued in doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers.
Acts 2:41–42
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:
and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,
and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
Acts shows the gospel spreading through preaching, persecution, prayer, miracles, missionary journeys, and the power of the Holy Ghost.
The message is always Jesus.
Acts 4:10–12
“Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel,
that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,
whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead...
Neither is there salvation in any other:
for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
There is no other name.
Luke, the careful witness, wants every reader to know that salvation is in Jesus Christ alone.
Luke was not only a writer. He travelled.
In Acts, there are sections where the language changes from “they” to “we.” This shows Luke was personally present in parts of Paul’s journeys.
For example:
Acts 16:10
“And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia,
assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.”
“We endeavoured.”
Luke joined the mission.
Again:
Acts 20:5–6
“These going before tarried for us at Troas.
And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread.”
Luke was with Paul on journeys, on ships, among churches, and through trials.
In Acts 27, Luke was with Paul during the dangerous voyage and shipwreck.
Acts 27:20–25
“And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared,
and no small tempest lay on us,
all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.
But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said...
There stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
Saying, Fear not, Paul...
Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer:
for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.”
Luke was there.
He knew the storms of ministry.
He knew danger.
He knew imprisonment.
He knew missionary hardship.
He knew loyalty.
Near the end, Paul wrote:
2 Timothy 4:10–11
“For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world,
and is departed unto Thessalonica...
Only Luke is with me.”
Demas forsook. Luke remained.
This is one of the strongest lessons from Luke’s life.
Faithfulness matters.
Not only starting well.
Not only writing well.
Not only speaking well.
But staying faithful when others leave.
Proverbs 20:6
“Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness:
but a faithful man who can find?”
Luke was a faithful man.
Jesus said:
Matthew 25:21
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
May that be said of us.
Luke’s life and writings point us to Jesus in many ways.
Luke 1:35
“That holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”
Luke 2:11
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 19:10
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor.”
Luke 5:32
“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Luke 22:20
“This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”
Luke 24:6
“He is not here, but is risen.”
Luke 24:27
“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets,
he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.”
Acts 1:8
“Ye shall be witnesses unto me.”
Acts 4:12
“Neither is there salvation in any other.”
Luke’s message is Jesus from beginning to end.
Luke wrote so believers would know certainty.
Luke 1:4
“That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.”
Christian faith is not based on carelessness. We should love truth, Scripture, and sound doctrine.
Luke was a physician, and God used him as a servant of the gospel.
Whatever your work is, offer it to God.
Colossians 3:23–24
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance:
for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
2 Timothy 4:11
“Only Luke is with me.”
Faithfulness in hardship is precious to God.
Luke’s writings show the gospel going to all nations.
Luke 24:47
“Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations.”
No nation is beyond the gospel.
No class is beyond the gospel.
No sinner is beyond the reach of Christ.
Luke 15 shows heaven rejoicing over one sinner who repents.
Luke 15:10
“There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”
A church without mercy for the lost has forgotten the heart of Jesus.
Luke shows Jesus praying again and again.
Luke 5:16
“And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.”
If the Son of God prayed, we must pray.
Acts 1:8
“Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.”
The mission of God cannot be done in the strength of man.
Luke 19:10
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
This is the heart of Luke’s message.
Luke was the beloved physician.
Luke was a fellow labourer.
Luke was a faithful companion.
Luke was with Paul when others left.
Luke wrote so that believers would know certainty.
Luke showed Jesus as the Saviour for all people.
Luke emphasized prayer, the Holy Ghost, mercy, repentance, forgiveness, and mission.
But Luke’s greatest testimony is Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the Son of God.
Jesus is the Son of man.
Jesus is the Saviour.
Jesus is the Great Physician.
Jesus is the friend of sinners.
Jesus is the seeker of the lost.
Jesus is the fulfiller of Scripture.
Jesus is the crucified Redeemer.
Jesus is the risen Lord.
Jesus is the One whose name must be preached among all nations.
So the question today is: have you come to the Saviour Luke preached?
Are you spiritually sick? Come to the Physician.
Are you lost? Come to the Shepherd who seeks.
Are you guilty? Come to the One who forgives.
Are you brokenhearted? Come to the One anointed to heal.
Are you captive? Come to the Deliverer.
Are you blind? Come to the One who gives sight.
Are you far off? Come to the Saviour of all nations.
Jesus said:
Luke 5:32
“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
And:
Luke 19:10
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
The gospel call is repentance and remission of sins in His name.
Luke 24:46–47
“Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer,
and to rise from the dead the third day:
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations.”
Christ suffered.
Christ died.
Christ rose.
Christ forgives.
Christ saves.
Christ sends.
Christ will return.
So come to Him.
And if you already know Him, be like Luke.
Be faithful.
Be careful with truth.
Be loyal in hardship.
Be filled with compassion.
Be devoted to prayer.
Depend on the Holy Ghost.
Preach Christ to all people.
Stay with the work when others walk away.
For the world still needs the message Luke wrote:
Acts 4:12
“Neither is there salvation in any other:
for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Father, we thank You for Luke, the beloved physician.
We thank You for his careful witness.
We thank You that he wrote so believers might know the certainty of the gospel.
We thank You for his faithfulness to Paul.
We thank You that when others left, Luke remained.
Lord, make us faithful servants like Luke.
Teach us to love truth.
Teach us to care for the broken.
Teach us to pray.
Teach us to depend on the Holy Ghost.
Teach us to preach repentance and remission of sins in the name of Jesus Christ.
We thank You for Jesus, the Great Physician.
We thank You that He came to seek and to save the lost.
We thank You that He has mercy on sinners.
We thank You that He died for our sins and rose again the third day.
We thank You that salvation is preached in His name to all nations.
Lord, save the lost.
Heal the brokenhearted.
Deliver the captives.
Open blind eyes.
Forgive sinners.
Fill Your people with the Holy Ghost.
And send us as witnesses of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main Scriptures: Matthew 4, Mark 3, Luke 9, John 1, John 13, John 19–21, Acts 3–4, 1 John, Revelation 1
Main theme: John’s life shows us how Jesus transforms a man from zeal without full understanding into a faithful witness of love, truth, holiness, glory, and the eternal Son of God.
The apostle John is one of the most important witnesses in the New Testament.
He was one of the Twelve.
He was the brother of James.
He was the son of Zebedee.
He was a fisherman called by Jesus.
He was one of the inner three with Peter and James.
He saw Jesus raise Jairus’ daughter.
He saw Jesus transfigured in glory.
He leaned on Jesus’ breast at the Last Supper.
He stood near the cross when many others fled.
He saw the empty tomb.
He saw the risen Christ.
He preached in Acts.
He wrote deeply about love, light, truth, eternal life, antichrist, obedience, and fellowship with God.
And in Revelation, he saw the glorified Christ.
John is often remembered as the apostle of love, and that is true. But John was not weak. John was not soft on sin. John was not loose with doctrine. John spoke of love, but he also spoke of truth. He spoke of fellowship, but also of false teachers. He spoke of eternal life, but also of judgment. He spoke of the Lamb of God, but also of the wrath of the Lamb.
John’s message is not sentimental love. It is holy love rooted in the truth of Jesus Christ.
And John’s whole life points us to one Person: Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
John tells us why he wrote his Gospel.
John 20:30–31
“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God;
and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
That is John’s purpose.
That we might believe Jesus is the Christ.
That we might believe Jesus is the Son of God.
That believing, we might have life through His name.
So today, as we look at the apostle John, we are not mainly looking at John himself. We are looking at the Jesus whom John saw, followed, loved, preached, and worshipped.
John was a fisherman when Jesus called him.
Matthew 4:18–22
“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother,
casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother,
in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets;
and he called them.
And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.”
Jesus called John, and John followed.
John left the boat.
John left the nets.
John left the old occupation as the centre of his life.
John left his father Zebedee and followed Christ.
This does not mean every believer must leave their physical job. But it does mean that when Jesus calls, He becomes Lord over all.
Jesus does not merely invite men to admire Him. He calls them to follow Him.
Luke 9:23
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me,
let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
John’s life began with a call.
“Follow me.”
That is still the call of Jesus.
Not simply, “Think about Me.”
Not simply, “Respect Me.”
Not simply, “Add Me to your life.”
But, “Follow Me.”
Jesus also told them He would make them fishers of men.
Matthew 4:19
“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Notice the order.
First, follow Me.
Then, I will make you.
The work of God begins with being with Christ. The disciple is formed by following Jesus.
John did not make himself an apostle. Jesus called him, trained him, corrected him, loved him, and sent him.
John 15:16
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you,
that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.”
John was chosen by Christ.
And every true servant of God must remember this: the call begins with grace.
John is often remembered as gentle and loving, but the Bible shows us that he did not begin as a naturally soft man.
Jesus gave James and John a nickname.
Mark 3:13–17
“And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would:
and they came unto him.
And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach...
And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James;
and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder.”
James and John were called “sons of thunder.”
There was zeal in them. There was fire. There was intensity. But zeal needs to be purified by the Spirit of Christ.
In Luke 9, a Samaritan village did not receive Jesus.
Luke 9:51–53
“And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up,
he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
And sent messengers before his face:
and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.”
James and John reacted strongly.
Luke 9:54
“And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said,
Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?”
They wanted judgment immediately.
But Jesus rebuked them.
Luke 9:55–56
“But he turned, and rebuked them, and said,
Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.
And they went to another village.”
That is a powerful correction.
“Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.”
John had zeal, but at that moment his zeal did not reflect the saving mission of Christ.
Jesus did not come the first time to call down fire on Samaritans. He came to save sinners.
John 3:17
“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through him might be saved.”
This does not mean there is no judgment. John himself later wrote Revelation, where judgment is revealed in great seriousness. But Jesus was teaching John that the spirit of His mission is not personal vengeance.
The gospel call is mercy before final judgment.
John had to learn the difference between holy zeal and fleshly anger.
The Bible warns us:
James 1:19–20
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”
John’s life teaches us that Jesus transforms zeal.
He does not remove truth.
He does not remove conviction.
He does not remove courage.
But He purifies the heart.
The son of thunder would become the apostle who wrote:
1 John 4:7–8
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God;
and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”
Only Jesus can turn thunder into holy love.
James and John also struggled with ambition.
Their mother came to Jesus with a request.
Matthew 20:20–21
“Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping him,
and desiring a certain thing of him.
And he said unto her, What wilt thou?
She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit,
the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.”
They wanted places of honour.
Jesus answered:
Matthew 20:22–23
“But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask.
Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of,
and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
They say unto him, We are able.
And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup,
and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with:
but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give,
but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.”
They wanted crowns, but Jesus spoke of a cup.
They wanted thrones, but Jesus spoke of suffering.
Then Jesus taught all the disciples:
Matthew 20:25–28
“Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them,
and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
But it shall not be so among you:
but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto,
but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
This was a necessary lesson for John.
Greatness in Christ’s kingdom is not self-exaltation.
Greatness is service.
Greatness is humility.
Greatness is taking up the cross.
Greatness is becoming like Jesus.
John wanted glory, but Jesus taught him that the path to glory goes through the cross.
Peter later wrote:
1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God,
that he may exalt you in due time.”
John had to learn humility.
So must we.
The human heart wants position.
Jesus calls us to service.
The human heart wants recognition.
Jesus calls us to obedience.
The human heart wants a throne without a cross.
Jesus says:
Mark 8:34
“Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself,
and take up his cross, and follow me.”
John was one of the three disciples Jesus took up the mountain of transfiguration.
Matthew 17:1–2
“And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother,
and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
And was transfigured before them:
and his face did shine as the sun,
and his raiment was white as the light.”
John saw Jesus transfigured.
He saw glory shining through the humanity of Christ.
Moses and Elijah appeared, representing the law and the prophets.
Matthew 17:3
“And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.”
Then the Father spoke from the cloud.
Matthew 17:5
“While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them:
and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said,
This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”
“Hear ye him.”
Moses was there.
Elijah was there.
But the Father says: hear My Son.
Jesus is greater than Moses.
Jesus is greater than Elijah.
Jesus is the fulfilment of the law and the prophets.
John never forgot that glory.
In his Gospel, he wrote:
John 1:14
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,
and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,
full of grace and truth.”
“We beheld his glory.”
John saw glory in Jesus’ miracles.
John saw glory in His holiness.
John saw glory on the mountain.
John saw glory in His death and resurrection.
And in Revelation, John saw the glorified Christ.
Peter also remembered the transfiguration:
2 Peter 1:16–18
“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables,
when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For he received from God the Father honour and glory,
when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory,
This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
And this voice which came from heaven we heard,
when we were with him in the holy mount.”
John was an eyewitness of majesty.
The Jesus John preached was not merely a moral teacher. He was the glorious Son of God.
John begins his Gospel differently from Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
Matthew begins with genealogy.
Mark begins with the gospel proclamation.
Luke begins with careful historical order.
John begins before creation.
John 1:1–3
“In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him;
and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
This is one of the clearest declarations of the deity of Christ.
Jesus is the Word.
The Word was in the beginning.
The Word was with God.
The Word was God.
All things were made by Him.
Jesus is not a created being.
Jesus is not merely a prophet.
Jesus is not an angel.
Jesus is not a lesser god.
Jesus is God the Son.
John continues:
John 1:4–5
“In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”
In Him was life.
Not only that He gives life. He is life.
John later records Jesus saying:
John 11:25
“I am the resurrection, and the life:
he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”
And:
John 14:6
“I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
John’s Gospel is full of these great declarations of Jesus.
John 6:35
“I am the bread of life.”
John 8:12
“I am the light of the world.”
John 10:9
“I am the door.”
John 10:11
“I am the good shepherd.”
John 15:1
“I am the true vine.”
John wants us to see Jesus as the eternal Son of God, the source of life, the light of the world, the only way to the Father.
Then John gives the wonder of the incarnation:
John 1:14
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,
and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,
full of grace and truth.”
The Word became flesh.
God the Son took on human nature.
The eternal entered time.
The Creator entered creation.
The Lord of glory came to dwell among men.
That is the glory John preached.
John the apostle’s Gospel records John the Baptist’s great declaration.
John 1:29
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith,
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
Behold the Lamb of God.
That one sentence connects Jesus to the entire Old Testament sacrificial system.
The lamb in Genesis 22, where Abraham said:
Genesis 22:8
“My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering.”
The Passover lamb in Exodus 12:
Exodus 12:13
“And when I see the blood, I will pass over you.”
The lambs of sacrifice in Leviticus.
The suffering servant in Isaiah 53.
Isaiah 53:7
“He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb,
so he openeth not his mouth.”
John tells us Jesus is the Lamb.
Not a lamb merely for one household.
Not a lamb merely for one yearly feast.
Not a lamb merely for one temple sacrifice.
The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
John later saw heaven worship the Lamb.
Revelation 5:6
“And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne... stood a Lamb as it had been slain.”
And the song of heaven says:
Revelation 5:9
“Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof:
for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood
out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.”
John’s writings begin with the Lamb of God and rise to the worship of the Lamb in heaven.
Jesus is the Lamb slain for sinners.
In the Gospel of John, we find the phrase “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”
At the Last Supper:
John 13:23
“Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.”
At the cross:
John 19:26
“When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved,
he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!”
At the empty tomb:
John 20:2
“Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved.”
At the Sea of Tiberias:
John 21:7
“Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord.”
John does not write this to boast as though Jesus did not love the others. He writes as a man deeply conscious of grace.
John knew he was loved by Jesus.
This is not pride. This is identity.
Every believer must come to know this: I am loved by Christ.
Paul says:
Galatians 2:20
“The life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God,
who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
“Who loved me.”
The Christian life is not only knowing that God loves people generally. It is knowing by faith: Christ loved me and gave Himself for me.
John writes:
1 John 4:19
“We love him, because he first loved us.”
Our love begins with His love.
John became the apostle of love because he first knew he was loved by Jesus.
But John’s idea of love was never separated from obedience.
Jesus said:
John 14:15
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
And again:
John 14:21
“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me.”
John later wrote:
1 John 5:3
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments:
and his commandments are not grievous.”
Biblical love is not lawlessness.
Biblical love is not sentiment without obedience.
Biblical love is devotion to God and sacrificial care for others according to truth.
When Jesus was arrested, the disciples scattered. Peter followed at a distance and denied Him. But John appears at the cross.
John 19:25–27
“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister,
Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved,
he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother!
And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.”
John stood by the cross.
He saw Jesus suffer.
He saw the blood.
He saw the pierced side.
He saw the love of Christ in agony.
He received responsibility for Mary.
Even on the cross, Jesus cared for His mother.
John was entrusted with that care.
This teaches us that love is practical. Jesus was dying for the sins of the world, and yet He cared for His earthly mother.
John saw the fulfilment of prophecy at the cross.
John 19:28–30
“After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished,
that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.
Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar:
and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said,
It is finished:
and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”
“It is finished.”
John heard those words.
The sacrifice was complete.
The debt was paid.
The Scriptures were fulfilled.
The work of redemption was accomplished.
Then John saw the spear pierce Jesus’ side.
John 19:34–35
“But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side,
and forthwith came there out blood and water.
And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true:
and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.”
John says, “I saw it. My record is true.”
John was an eyewitness of the blood and water from the side of Christ.
He later wrote:
1 John 1:7
“The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
John stood close enough to see the cost of salvation.
That is why his message of love is so deep.
1 John 3:16
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us:
and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”
John defines love at the cross.
Not by feelings only.
Not by words only.
By Jesus laying down His life.
On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to Peter and John.
John 20:1–2
“The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre,
and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved,
and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre,
and we know not where they have laid him.”
Peter and John ran to the tomb.
John 20:3–8
“Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.
So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.
And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.
Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre...
Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre,
and he saw, and believed.”
“He saw, and believed.”
John saw the empty tomb.
John saw the grave clothes.
John believed.
The resurrection is central to the gospel.
Paul says:
1 Corinthians 15:3–4
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received,
how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
And:
1 Corinthians 15:17
“And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.”
But Christ is risen.
John saw the evidence.
John met the risen Lord.
John bore witness.
Later John wrote:
1 John 1:1–3
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard,
which we have seen with our eyes,
which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness,
and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.”
John’s faith was not based on imagination. He heard, saw, looked upon, and handled the Word of life.
He was a witness.
After the resurrection and Pentecost, John appears with Peter in Acts.
Peter and John went up to the temple.
Acts 3:1
“Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.”
They met a lame man at the gate.
Peter said:
Acts 3:6–8
“Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee:
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up:
and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple,
walking, and leaping, and praising God.”
John was there as a witness to the power of Jesus’ name.
Peter then preached Christ.
Acts 3:14–16
“But ye denied the Holy One and the Just,
and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;
And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead;
whereof we are witnesses.
And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong.”
They were arrested and questioned.
Acts 4:7
“And when they had set them in the midst, they asked,
By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?”
Peter answered:
Acts 4:10–12
“Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel,
that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead,
even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders,
which is become the head of the corner.
Neither is there salvation in any other:
for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
John stood with Peter in this bold witness.
The rulers saw their boldness.
Acts 4:13
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John,
and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled;
and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”
“They had been with Jesus.”
That is the secret.
John’s power was not education alone.
John’s courage was not natural personality alone.
John had been with Jesus.
When commanded not to speak in Jesus’ name, Peter and John answered:
Acts 4:19–20
“Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”
John could not be silent about what he had seen and heard.
That is true witness.
In 1 John, the apostle writes about fellowship with God.
1 John 1:3
“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you,
that ye also may have fellowship with us:
and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”
The gospel brings us into fellowship with God.
Not merely religious activity.
Not merely outward morality.
Not merely knowledge about God.
Fellowship with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
But John also says God is light.
1 John 1:5
“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you,
that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”
God is light.
Therefore, fellowship with God cannot be fellowship with darkness.
1 John 1:6–7
“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness,
we lie, and do not the truth:
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light,
we have fellowship one with another,
and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
John is direct.
If we claim fellowship with God while walking in darkness, we lie.
But if we walk in the light, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.
John also warns against claiming sinlessness.
1 John 1:8–10
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
This is balanced truth.
John does not allow believers to deny sin.
John does not allow believers to make peace with sin.
John calls us to confession and cleansing.
Then he writes:
1 John 2:1–2
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.
And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
And he is the propitiation for our sins:
and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
John’s message is not sinless pride and not sinful carelessness.
Do not sin.
But if any man sin, we have an Advocate.
Jesus Christ the righteous.
He is the propitiation for our sins.
John is known as the apostle of love because love is a major theme in his writings.
Jesus gave the new commandment in John’s Gospel.
John 13:34–35
“A new commandment I give unto you,
That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another.”
“As I have loved you.”
Christian love is measured by the love of Christ.
John later wrote:
1 John 3:11
“For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning,
that we should love one another.”
He warns against hatred.
1 John 3:14–15
“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.
He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer:
and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.”
Love is evidence of new life.
John defines love through Christ’s sacrifice.
1 John 3:16–18
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us:
and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need,
and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him,
how dwelleth the love of God in him?
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue;
but in deed and in truth.”
Love is not only words.
Love gives.
Love serves.
Love sacrifices.
Love acts.
Love helps the brother in need.
John says:
1 John 4:7–11
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God;
and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
In this was manifested the love of God toward us,
because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world,
that we might live through him.
Herein is love, not that we loved God,
but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”
Here is the foundation of Christian love:
God loved us first.
God sent His Son.
Jesus is the propitiation for our sins.
Therefore, we love one another.
Love flows from the cross.
John preached love, but he also warned strongly about false doctrine.
He wrote:
1 John 2:18
“Little children, it is the last time:
and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come,
even now are there many antichrists;
whereby we know that it is the last time.”
John warns about antichrist and many antichrists.
He explains:
1 John 2:22–23
“Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ?
He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father:
but he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.”
Any teaching that denies the Son is antichrist in spirit.
John also says:
1 John 4:1–3
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:
because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Hereby know ye the Spirit of God:
Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God.”
Do not believe every spirit.
Test the spirits.
John knew that love without truth becomes deception. Truth without love becomes harshness. But biblical Christianity requires both.
In 2 John, he writes:
2 John 1:6–7
“And this is love, that we walk after his commandments.
This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
For many deceivers are entered into the world,
who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh.
This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”
Then he warns:
2 John 1:9
“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.
He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.”
Doctrine matters.
Who Jesus is matters.
The incarnation matters.
The cross matters.
The resurrection matters.
The deity of Christ matters.
The humanity of Christ matters.
The truth of the gospel matters.
John was not only the apostle of love. He was the apostle of love in truth.
3 John 1:4
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
In Revelation, John was exiled on Patmos.
Revelation 1:9
“I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation,
and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ,
was in the isle that is called Patmos,
for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
John was suffering for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
He calls himself a brother and companion in tribulation.
Then he says:
Revelation 1:10–11
“I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day,
and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.”
John saw the glorified Jesus.
Revelation 1:12–16
“And I turned to see the voice that spake with me.
And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man,
clothed with a garment down to the foot,
and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow;
and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace;
and his voice as the sound of many waters.
And he had in his right hand seven stars:
and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword:
and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.”
This is not the humbled Christ in suffering.
This is the glorified Christ in majesty.
Eyes like fire.
Voice like many waters.
Face like the sun.
Sword from His mouth.
Lord among the churches.
John’s response:
Revelation 1:17–18
“And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead.
And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me,
Fear not; I am the first and the last:
I am he that liveth, and was dead;
and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen;
and have the keys of hell and of death.”
John had leaned on Jesus’ breast at the supper.
But when he saw the glorified Christ, he fell as dead.
We need both truths.
Jesus is near and loving.
Jesus is also holy and glorious.
Jesus is the Lamb.
Jesus is also the Judge.
Jesus is the Saviour.
Jesus is also King of kings and Lord of lords.
John saw heaven worship the Lamb.
Revelation 5:11–13
“And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne...
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain
to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth...
heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power,
be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.”
John’s final vision is not centred on John. It is centred on the throne, the Lamb, the kingdom, the judgment of evil, and the new heaven and new earth.
John was a fisherman when Jesus called him.
Matthew 4:21–22
“He called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.”
God can call ordinary people into extraordinary service.
John wanted fire to fall on the Samaritans, but Jesus rebuked him.
Luke 9:55
“Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.”
We need zeal with the Spirit of Christ.
John once desired high position, but Jesus taught servanthood.
Matthew 20:26
“Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.”
John 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Jesus is God the Son.
John 1:29
“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
There is no salvation without the Lamb.
1 John 4:19
“We love him, because he first loved us.”
Christian love is a response to divine love.
2 John 1:6
“And this is love, that we walk after his commandments.”
Biblical love is obedient love.
1 John 1:7
“The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
Our hope is not in self-cleansing, but in the blood of Christ.
1 John 2:1
“If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
When believers sin, our hope is Christ our Advocate.
Revelation 22:20
“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly.
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
John ends with longing for the return of Christ.
John began as a fisherman.
Jesus called him.
John followed.
John was a son of thunder.
Jesus corrected him.
John wanted glory.
Jesus taught him the cup and the cross.
John saw the transfiguration.
John leaned on Jesus’ breast.
John stood near the cross.
John saw the blood and water.
John ran to the empty tomb.
John believed.
John preached boldly in Acts.
John wrote of love, light, truth, obedience, and eternal life.
John warned against antichrist and false doctrine.
John saw the glorified Christ in Revelation.
And through all of it, John’s message is clear:
Jesus is the Christ.
Jesus is the Son of God.
Jesus is the eternal Word.
Jesus is the Lamb of God.
Jesus is the light of the world.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
Jesus is the good shepherd.
Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
Jesus is the true vine.
Jesus is the Advocate with the Father.
Jesus is the propitiation for our sins.
Jesus is the Alpha and Omega.
Jesus is the Lamb upon the throne.
Jesus is coming again.
John says:
John 20:31
“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God;
and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
That is the call today.
Believe in Jesus Christ.
Do not merely admire Him.
Do not merely study Him.
Do not merely respect Him.
Believe on Him.
Believe He is the Son of God.
Believe He is the Lamb who takes away sin.
Believe He died for sinners.
Believe He rose again.
Believe His blood cleanses from all sin.
Believe He is the only way to the Father.
John wrote:
1 John 5:11–13
“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life,
and this life is in his Son.
He that hath the Son hath life;
and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God;
that ye may know that ye have eternal life.”
He that hath the Son hath life.
That is the issue.
Do you have the Son?
If you have Christ, you have life.
If you do not have Christ, you do not have life.
So come to Him.
Come to the Lamb.
Come to the light.
Come to the life.
Come to the Advocate.
Come to the Son of God.
Come to the One who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.
Revelation 1:5–6
“Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father;
to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
Father, we thank You for the apostle John.
We thank You that Jesus called him from the fishing boat.
We thank You that Jesus transformed him from a son of thunder into a witness of holy love and truth.
We thank You that John saw the glory of Christ, stood near the cross, saw the empty tomb, and preached the risen Lord.
Lord, teach us through John’s life.
Purify our zeal.
Humble our ambition.
Teach us to love as Christ loved.
Teach us to walk in truth.
Keep us from deception.
Cleanse us by the blood of Jesus.
Help us abide in Christ, the true vine.
Help us bear witness to what You have done.
We thank You for Jesus Christ, the eternal Word made flesh.
We thank You for the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
We thank You for our Advocate, Jesus Christ the righteous.
We thank You for the risen and glorified Lord, the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.
Lord, help every hearer believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing they might have life through His name.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon series length: 3 parts
Each part: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main Scriptures: Acts 7–9, Acts 13–28, Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1–2 Timothy, 2 Corinthians 11–12
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Before Paul was known as the apostle to the Gentiles, he was known as Saul of Tarsus.
Before he wrote Romans, Ephesians, Philippians, Galatians, Corinthians, Timothy, Titus, and many other letters, he was a man who tried to destroy the church.
Before he preached grace, he was trusting in law.
Before he preached Christ crucified, he hated the name of Jesus.
Before he suffered for the gospel, he caused others to suffer for the gospel.
Paul’s life is one of the clearest testimonies in Scripture that no sinner is beyond the reach of Jesus Christ.
Paul himself said:
1 Timothy 1:12–16
“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering,
for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.”
Paul says, “I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious.”
But then he says, “I obtained mercy.”
That is Paul’s story.
Mercy found him.
Grace changed him.
Jesus stopped him.
The persecutor became a preacher.
The enemy became an apostle.
The man who once dragged Christians to prison became a prisoner for Christ.
Paul was not an atheist. He was not a careless pagan. He was deeply religious.
He says of himself:
Philippians 3:4–6
“Though I might also have confidence in the flesh.
If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin,
an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.”
Paul had every religious credential.
Circumcised the eighth day.
Of the stock of Israel.
Of the tribe of Benjamin.
A Hebrew of the Hebrews.
A Pharisee.
Zealous.
Outwardly blameless according to the law.
But he was still lost.
That is a warning.
Religion without Christ cannot save.
A man can be moral and lost.
A man can know Scripture and be blind to Christ.
A man can be zealous and wrong.
A man can be active in religious work and still be fighting against God.
Jesus said to the religious leaders:
John 5:39–40
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life:
and they are they which testify of me.
And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.”
Paul knew the Scriptures, but before Damascus, he did not yet see Christ as the fulfilment of them.
Paul also said:
Acts 22:3
“I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia,
yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel,
and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers,
and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.”
He was taught at the feet of Gamaliel.
He knew the law.
He was zealous toward God.
But zeal must be according to truth.
Paul later wrote about Israel:
Romans 10:1–4
“Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness,
have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”
Paul understood this personally.
He had once had zeal without knowledge.
He had once tried to establish his own righteousness.
He had once failed to submit to the righteousness of God in Christ.
This is why Paul later preached justification by faith so strongly.
Because he knew law-righteousness could not save.
The first time Saul appears in the Bible is at the death of Stephen.
Stephen preached Christ boldly to the Jewish council. He accused them of resisting the Holy Ghost.
Acts 7:51–53
“Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears,
ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted?
and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One;
of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:
Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.”
Stephen preached that they had betrayed and murdered the Just One, Jesus Christ.
They were cut to the heart.
Acts 7:54
“When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart,
and they gnashed on him with their teeth.”
But Stephen saw heaven opened.
Acts 7:55–56
“But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven,
and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened,
and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.”
Stephen saw Jesus standing.
They cast him out and stoned him.
Acts 7:57–58
“Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears,
and ran upon him with one accord,
And cast him out of the city, and stoned him:
and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.”
There is Saul.
Standing there.
Watching.
Approving.
The clothes of the witnesses laid at his feet.
Stephen died praying.
Acts 7:59–60
“And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying,
Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice,
Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.
And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”
Stephen died like his Lord.
Jesus had prayed:
Luke 23:34
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
Stephen prayed:
“Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.”
And Saul saw it.
We do not know what that did in Saul’s conscience, but we know this: the blood of Stephen did not stop the church. It became part of the testimony God used in the spread of the gospel.
After Stephen’s death, persecution increased.
Acts 8:1–3
“And Saul was consenting unto his death.
And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem;
and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
As for Saul, he made havock of the church,
entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.”
Saul made havoc of the church.
He entered houses.
He dragged men and women away.
He committed believers to prison.
Paul later confessed:
Acts 22:4–5
“And I persecuted this way unto the death,
binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.
As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders:
from whom also I received letters unto the brethren,
and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.”
He persecuted “unto the death.”
Again he said:
Acts 26:9–11
“I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison,
having received authority from the chief priests;
and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme;
and being exceedingly mad against them,
I persecuted them even unto strange cities.”
That is intense.
Paul says he was “exceedingly mad against them.”
He tried to make Christians blaspheme.
He imprisoned saints.
He voted against them when they were put to death.
He pursued them to foreign cities.
This is why Paul never forgot mercy.
He was not a mild sinner.
He was not merely mistaken in small matters.
He was an enemy of Christ.
Yet Christ saved him.
Romans 5:8–10
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son,
much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”
“When we were enemies.”
Paul knew what that meant.
Saul thought he was serving God.
He said:
Acts 26:9
“I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.”
“I verily thought.”
That is the danger.
A man can sincerely think he is right and still be terribly wrong.
Sincerity does not save.
Zeal does not save.
Religion does not save.
Only Christ saves.
Jesus warned His disciples:
John 16:2
“They shall put you out of the synagogues:
yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.”
Saul was exactly that kind of man.
He persecuted Christians while thinking he was serving God.
This is spiritual blindness.
The Bible says:
Proverbs 14:12
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
Saul’s way seemed right to him.
But it was the way of death.
That is why every person must be brought under the light of Jesus Christ.
Paul later wrote:
2 Corinthians 4:3–6
“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not,
lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness,
hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ.”
That is Paul’s testimony.
The God who said, “Let there be light,” shone into Saul’s dark heart on the Damascus road.
Paul’s later testimony in Philippians 3 is one of the strongest passages in Scripture against self-righteousness.
He lists everything he once trusted.
Philippians 3:5–6
“Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin,
an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.”
Then he says:
Philippians 3:7–9
“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:
for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law,
but that which is through the faith of Christ,
the righteousness which is of God by faith.”
Paul counted his old religious gains as loss.
He wanted to be found in Christ.
Not having his own righteousness.
Not law-righteousness.
Not Pharisee-righteousness.
Not circumcision-righteousness.
Not zeal-righteousness.
But the righteousness of God by faith.
This is why Paul wrote Romans.
Romans 3:21–24
“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested,
being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:
for there is no difference:
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
All have sinned.
All need grace.
All must be justified freely through Christ.
Paul knew this because he had tried the way of religious self-righteousness, and it could not save him.
Even before Saul’s conversion, God had shaped his background for future ministry.
Saul was Jewish, trained in the law.
He knew the Scriptures.
He was from Tarsus, a city connected with the wider Gentile world.
He was a Roman citizen.
He could reason with Jews from Scripture and speak into Gentile cities.
He knew suffering, discipline, argument, law, culture, and zeal.
Paul later used his Roman citizenship in Acts.
Acts 22:25–28
“And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by,
Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?
When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying,
Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.
Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman?
He said, Yea.
And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom.
And Paul said, But I was free born.”
God would use Paul’s background.
But background did not save him.
Education did not save him.
Citizenship did not save him.
Religious training did not save him.
Zeal did not save him.
Jesus saved him.
This is the difference between preparation and salvation.
God may use a person’s background, but only Christ can redeem the person.
Saul meant to destroy the church, but his persecution helped scatter believers who preached the gospel.
Acts 8:4
“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.”
This is the sovereignty of God.
Satan attacks.
Saul persecutes.
The church scatters.
But the Word spreads.
What the enemy means for evil, God uses for good.
Joseph said:
Genesis 50:20
“But as for you, ye thought evil against me;
but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”
The same pattern appears in Acts.
Persecution did not silence the church. It scattered seed.
This is why Jesus said:
Matthew 16:18
“I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Saul could not stop Jesus from building His church.
No government can.
No persecutor can.
No demon can.
No false religion can.
No prison can.
No sword can.
Christ builds His church.
Saul was on his way to Damascus.
He had letters in his hand.
Murder in his heart.
Religion in his mind.
Authority from men.
But he did not yet know that heaven was about to stop him.
Acts 9:1–2
“And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord,
went unto the high priest,
And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues,
that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women,
he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.”
“Breathing out threatenings and slaughter.”
That is Saul before conversion.
But this is what grace does: grace interrupts a man on the road to judgment.
Paul later said:
Galatians 1:13–16
“For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion,
how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation,
being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb,
and called me by his grace,
To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen.”
“But when it pleased God.”
That is the turning point.
Not when Saul became worthy.
Not when Saul softened himself.
Not when Saul stopped persecuting.
Not when Saul improved.
When it pleased God.
God called him by grace.
That is salvation.
Ephesians 2:4–5
“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ,
by grace ye are saved.”
Paul’s whole life is a “But God” story.
Saul before conversion teaches us many things.
Religious zeal cannot save.
Law knowledge cannot save.
Human sincerity cannot save.
Ancestry cannot save.
Moral reputation cannot save.
A man can think he serves God while resisting God.
A man can be spiritually blind while holding Scripture in his hands.
A man can persecute Christ while believing he defends truth.
But Saul also teaches us this:
No sinner is too hard for Jesus Christ.
If Jesus can save Saul of Tarsus, Jesus can save anyone.
He can save the religious hypocrite.
He can save the violent persecutor.
He can save the proud Pharisee.
He can save the self-righteous moralist.
He can save the blasphemer.
He can save the enemy.
He can save you.
Paul said:
1 Timothy 1:15
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
That is the gospel.
And if you are trusting in religion, works, family, morality, or self-righteousness, Paul’s life says: count it loss, and come to Christ.
Philippians 3:8–9
“I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord...
that I may win Christ,
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness...
but that which is through the faith of Christ.”
Come to Jesus.
Father, we thank You for the testimony of Saul of Tarsus.
We see in him the danger of religion without Christ, zeal without truth, and righteousness without grace.
We see that a man may be outwardly religious and inwardly blind.
We see that no human works can save.
But we also see Your mercy.
Thank You that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
Thank You that the chief of sinners obtained mercy.
Thank You that grace is stronger than rebellion.
Thank You that the blood of Jesus can cleanse even persecutors, blasphemers, and enemies.
Lord, save the self-righteous.
Save the religiously proud.
Save the violent and the blind.
Save those trusting in their own works.
Open eyes to see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Bring every hearer to say with Paul:
“What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.”
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Saul was not looking for Jesus.
Saul was looking for Christians to arrest.
But Jesus was looking for Saul.
That is grace.
The conversion of Paul is so important that Acts records it three times: in Acts 9, Acts 22, and Acts 26.
Why?
Because Paul’s conversion displays the power of the risen Christ.
Jesus was not dead.
Jesus was not merely a memory.
Jesus was alive in heaven.
Jesus spoke.
Jesus intervened.
Jesus humbled Saul.
Jesus called him.
Jesus sent him.
Paul’s conversion was not a religious adjustment. It was a resurrection encounter.
Acts 9 records:
Acts 9:3–4
“And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus:
and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him,
Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?”
A light from heaven shone around him.
Saul fell to the earth.
The proud Pharisee was brought low.
Every true conversion humbles a man.
A person cannot meet the risen Christ and remain proud.
Saul heard:
“Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?”
Jesus did not say, “Why persecutest thou My people?” though Saul was doing that.
He said, “Why persecutest thou me?”
This shows the union between Christ and His church.
To persecute believers is to persecute Christ.
The church is His body.
Paul later wrote:
1 Corinthians 12:27
“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”
And:
Ephesians 1:22–23
“And hath put all things under his feet,
and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
Jesus loves His church so deeply that He says Saul’s attack on the church is an attack on Him.
Saul answered:
Acts 9:5
“And he said, Who art thou, Lord?
And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest:
it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”
“I am Jesus.”
That shattered Saul’s world.
The Jesus he hated was alive.
The Jesus he thought was cursed was Lord.
The Christians he persecuted were right.
Stephen had seen the truth.
The crucified Jesus was risen and glorified.
Saul had to face the truth: he had been fighting against God.
“It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”
That means Saul was resisting divine conviction. Like an ox kicking against the goads, he was hurting himself by resisting God.
Many people do the same.
They resist Scripture.
They resist conscience.
They resist conviction.
They resist the Holy Ghost.
They resist the call to repent.
But resisting God only wounds the soul.
Stephen had said:
Acts 7:51
“Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost.”
Saul had heard those words. Now the risen Jesus confronts him.
Saul responded:
Acts 9:6
“And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”
This is the language of surrender.
Before this, Saul was asking the high priest what he should do.
Now he asks Jesus.
“Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”
Conversion means Jesus becomes Lord.
Not merely helper.
Not merely teacher.
Not merely religious addition.
Lord.
Paul later wrote:
Romans 10:9
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,
and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead,
thou shalt be saved.”
The converted soul says: Jesus is Lord.
The old Saul lived under self-righteous religious authority.
The new Paul lives under the lordship of Christ.
After the encounter, Saul was physically blind.
Acts 9:8–9
“And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man:
but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.”
The man who thought he saw everything now saw nothing.
For three days he was blind, fasting, and helpless.
This was mercy.
God was showing Saul his spiritual condition.
He had been blind while thinking he saw.
Jesus once told the Pharisees:
John 9:39–41
“For judgment I am come into this world,
that they which see not might see;
and that they which see might be made blind.
And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him,
Are we blind also?
Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin:
but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.”
Saul had said, “I see.”
Jesus showed him he was blind.
But Jesus blinds in order to give true sight.
Paul would later be sent to open blind eyes.
Acts 26:17–18
“Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light,
and from the power of Satan unto God,
that they may receive forgiveness of sins,
and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
The man whose eyes were opened by grace would preach the opening of eyes to others.
In Damascus, God spoke to a disciple named Ananias.
Acts 9:10–12
“And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias;
and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias.
And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight,
and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus:
for, behold, he prayeth.”
“Behold, he prayeth.”
This is the first sign of new life.
The persecutor is praying.
Ananias was afraid.
Acts 9:13–14
“Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man,
how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
And here he hath authority from the chief priests
to bind all that call on thy name.”
Ananias knew Saul’s reputation.
But God said:
Acts 9:15–16
“But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way:
for he is a chosen vessel unto me,
to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.”
A chosen vessel.
To bear Christ’s name.
Before Gentiles.
Before kings.
Before Israel.
But also: he must suffer.
Paul was not called to comfort and fame. He was called to mission and suffering.
Ananias obeyed.
Acts 9:17–18
“And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house;
and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul,
the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest,
hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales:
and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.”
“Brother Saul.”
That is grace in the mouth of Ananias.
The man who came to arrest believers is now called brother.
That is the power of the gospel.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
After receiving sight, Saul began preaching.
Acts 9:20–22
“And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues,
that he is the Son of God.
But all that heard him were amazed, and said;
Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem,
and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
But Saul increased the more in strength,
and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus,
proving that this is very Christ.”
Straightway he preached Christ.
What did he preach?
That Jesus is the Son of God.
That Jesus is the Christ.
The persecutor became a preacher.
This is true conversion: the one he hated, he now proclaimed.
Paul later said:
2 Corinthians 4:5
“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord;
and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.”
Paul preached Christ.
Not himself.
Not philosophy.
Not law-righteousness.
Not human tradition.
Christ Jesus the Lord.
Paul later explained that his gospel did not come from man.
Galatians 1:11–12
“But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it,
but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Paul had met the risen Christ.
He was not repeating second-hand religion.
He was commissioned by Jesus.
He said:
Galatians 1:15–17
“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb,
and called me by his grace,
To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen;
immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me;
but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.”
God revealed His Son in Paul.
This is deeper than merely revealing facts to Paul. Christ was revealed in him, transforming him inwardly.
The true minister must have Christ revealed in him before he preaches Christ to others.
Almost immediately, Saul’s life was in danger.
Acts 9:23–25
“And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
But their laying await was known of Saul.
And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.”
The hunter became hunted.
The persecutor became persecuted.
Paul later remembered this event.
2 Corinthians 11:32–33
“In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison,
desirous to apprehend me:
And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.”
This is humbling.
The man who had come to Damascus with authority left Damascus in a basket.
God was teaching Paul that ministry would not be built on pride.
Paul would later write:
2 Corinthians 12:9
“My grace is sufficient for thee:
for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Paul learned weakness early.
When Saul came to Jerusalem, the disciples were afraid.
Acts 9:26
“And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples:
but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.”
Understandably, they feared him.
But Barnabas stood with him.
Acts 9:27
“But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles,
and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way,
and that he had spoken to him,
and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.”
Barnabas helped bridge the gap.
This shows the importance of encouragers in the body of Christ.
Paul would become a great apostle, but early on, he needed Ananias and Barnabas.
No servant of God is self-made.
God uses other believers.
Ephesians 4:15–16
“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth.”
Every joint supplies.
Paul’s conversion became the foundation of his preaching.
He was saved not by law, but by grace.
Not by works, but by mercy.
Not by religious achievement, but by Christ.
He later wrote:
Titus 3:3–7
“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived,
serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
Not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to his mercy he saved us,
by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done.”
That was Paul’s life.
If anyone could have boasted in works, Paul could. But he learned that salvation is mercy.
He also wrote:
Ephesians 2:8–10
“For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Saved by grace.
Created for good works.
Works do not save us.
But grace makes us new.
Paul is the great preacher of grace because he was a trophy of grace.
Paul’s calling was clear.
God told Ananias:
Acts 9:15
“He is a chosen vessel unto me,
to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.”
Paul later testified that Jesus said to him:
Acts 26:16–18
“But rise, and stand upon thy feet:
for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose,
to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen,
and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light,
and from the power of Satan unto God,
that they may receive forgiveness of sins,
and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
This is one of the clearest statements of Paul’s mission.
Open eyes.
Turn people from darkness to light.
Turn them from Satan’s power to God.
Preach forgiveness of sins.
Preach inheritance among the sanctified.
Preach faith in Christ.
Paul obeyed.
Acts 26:19–20
“Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea,
and then to the Gentiles,
that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.”
Paul was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.
That is a sermon in one sentence.
When Jesus calls, obey.
Paul’s message was not built around human wisdom.
He wrote:
1 Corinthians 1:17–18
“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel:
not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness;
but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”
The cross is foolishness to the world, but power to the saved.
Paul said:
1 Corinthians 1:22–24
“For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
But we preach Christ crucified,
unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks,
Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”
“We preach Christ crucified.”
Not self-help.
Not politics.
Not entertainment.
Not law-righteousness.
Not philosophy.
Christ crucified.
Again:
1 Corinthians 2:2
“For I determined not to know any thing among you,
save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”
Paul’s conversion was dramatic, but Paul’s message was simple:
Jesus Christ died for sinners and rose again.
1 Corinthians 15:3–4
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received,
how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
Paul’s conversion teaches us:
Jesus is alive.
Jesus sees His persecuted church.
Jesus confronts sinners.
Jesus humbles the proud.
Jesus gives sight to the blind.
Jesus calls enemies by grace.
Jesus fills with the Holy Ghost.
Jesus sends witnesses.
Jesus turns persecutors into preachers.
Paul was not improved by religion.
He was transformed by Christ.
The question is not: are you religious?
Saul was religious.
The question is: have you met the risen Christ by faith?
Have your eyes been opened?
Have you surrendered to Jesus as Lord?
Have you turned from darkness to light?
Have you received forgiveness of sins?
Are you obeying the heavenly vision?
Paul said:
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
That is what happened to Saul.
And that is what Jesus still does today.
Lord Jesus, we thank You that You are risen and alive.
We thank You that You stopped Saul on the road to Damascus.
We thank You that You opened his eyes.
We thank You that You called him by grace and made him a chosen vessel.
We thank You that the persecutor became a preacher.
Lord, stop us on our wrong roads.
Humble our pride.
Open our blind eyes.
Turn us from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God.
Give us forgiveness of sins and inheritance among those sanctified by faith in You.
Help us say with Paul, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”
Make us obedient to Your heavenly call.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
After Damascus, Paul’s life belonged to Jesus.
He preached Christ in synagogues and Gentile cities.
He planted churches.
He wrote letters.
He suffered beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, betrayal, hunger, cold, and danger.
He argued for the truth of the gospel.
He defended justification by faith.
He taught the mystery of the church.
He proclaimed the riches of grace.
He endured prison.
He finished his course.
Paul could say:
Galatians 2:20
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live;
yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:
and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God,
who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
That verse sums up Paul’s life.
Crucified with Christ.
Christ living in him.
Living by faith.
Loved by the Son of God.
Given for by the Son of God.
Paul never got over the love of Christ.
In Antioch, the Holy Ghost called Barnabas and Saul.
Acts 13:1–3
“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers...
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted,
the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
Paul’s mission was not a human career move. It was a calling of the Holy Ghost.
The church prayed, fasted, laid hands on them, and sent them.
Then Scripture says:
Acts 13:4
“So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia.”
Sent by the Holy Ghost.
True gospel ministry needs the Spirit of God.
Human talent is not enough.
Education is not enough.
Strategy is not enough.
Money is not enough.
The Holy Ghost must send, empower, and guide.
Jesus said:
Acts 1:8
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:
and ye shall be witnesses unto me.”
Paul’s ministry was Spirit-sent and Christ-centred.
In Acts 13, Paul preached in Antioch of Pisidia. He preached Israel’s history, David, and Jesus.
Then he declared:
Acts 13:38–39
“Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren,
that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
And by him all that believe are justified from all things,
from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.”
This is Paul’s gospel.
Through Jesus is forgiveness of sins.
By Jesus all who believe are justified.
The law of Moses could not justify.
Paul later expanded this in Romans:
Romans 3:28
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”
And:
Romans 5:1
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Justification means God declares the sinner righteous through faith in Christ.
Not because we are sinless.
Not because we earned it.
Not because we kept the law perfectly.
But because Christ died and rose again, and His righteousness is counted to those who believe.
Paul wrote:
2 Corinthians 5:21
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
This is the great exchange.
Our sin laid on Christ.
His righteousness counted to us.
That is why Paul fought so strongly against adding works of law as the basis of salvation.
Galatians 2:16
“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law,
but by the faith of Jesus Christ,
even we have believed in Jesus Christ,
that we might be justified by the faith of Christ,
and not by the works of the law:
for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”
No flesh shall be justified by the works of the law.
This was not a small doctrine to Paul. It was the heart of the gospel.
Paul preached salvation by grace, but never grace as permission to sin.
He wrote:
Romans 6:1–4
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:
that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father,
even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
Grace does not leave us in sin. Grace brings us into newness of life.
Again he wrote:
Titus 2:11–14
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts,
we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity,
and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
Grace teaches us.
Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness.
Grace teaches us to deny worldly lusts.
Grace teaches sober, righteous, godly living.
Grace makes a people zealous of good works.
Paul’s gospel was not legalism.
Paul’s gospel was not lawlessness.
Paul’s gospel was grace that saves and transforms.
Paul was given deep revelation about the church.
He wrote in Ephesians:
Ephesians 1:22–23
“And hath put all things under his feet,
and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
Christ is the head.
The church is His body.
Paul also taught that Jew and Gentile are made one in Christ.
Ephesians 2:13–18
“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
For he is our peace, who hath made both one,
and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity...
for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross,
having slain the enmity thereby:
And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”
This is glorious.
Far off Gentiles are brought near by the blood of Christ.
Jew and Gentile are made one.
The wall is broken down.
Both are reconciled to God by the cross.
Both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
Paul called this a mystery revealed.
Ephesians 3:4–6
“Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ
Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men,
as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body,
and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.”
The Gentiles are fellowheirs in Christ.
This was Paul’s calling: to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.
Ephesians 3:8
“Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given,
that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.”
God told Ananias at the beginning:
Acts 9:16
“For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.”
Paul did suffer.
He lists some of his sufferings:
2 Corinthians 11:23–28
“In labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck,
a night and a day I have been in the deep;
In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers,
in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen,
in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness,
in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often,
in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily,
the care of all the churches.”
This was Paul’s life.
Labours.
Stripes.
Prisons.
Death often.
Beatings.
Stoning.
Shipwreck.
Robbers.
False brethren.
Hunger.
Cold.
Care of the churches.
Paul did not preach a comfortable gospel that promised ease.
He preached Christ, and he suffered for Christ.
He told the churches:
Acts 14:22
“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith,
and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”
Much tribulation.
Jesus said:
John 16:33
“In the world ye shall have tribulation:
but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Paul lived that truth.
Paul had great revelations, but God kept him humble through weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:7–10
“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations,
there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,
the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee:
for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities,
in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake:
for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
Paul prayed three times for the thorn to depart.
God did not remove it.
God gave sufficient grace.
“My grace is sufficient for thee.”
Sometimes God delivers us from the trial.
Sometimes God strengthens us in the trial.
Paul learned that Christ’s power rests on weakness.
This is the opposite of worldly ministry.
The world boasts in strength.
Paul boasted in weakness, because weakness made room for Christ’s power.
Paul was not greedy. He often worked with his hands.
Acts 18:1–3
“After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla...
And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought:
for by their occupation they were tentmakers.”
Paul reminded the Ephesian elders:
Acts 20:33–35
“I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities,
and to them that were with me.
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak,
and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus,
how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Paul was an apostle, but he was not above labour.
He served.
He gave.
He supported the weak.
He refused covetousness.
This is a rebuke to ministry greed.
Paul wrote:
1 Thessalonians 2:5–8
“For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know,
nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
Nor of men sought we glory...
But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
So being affectionately desirous of you,
we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only,
but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.”
Paul did not merely deliver sermons. He gave himself.
Paul was not a cold theologian. He loved the churches deeply.
To the Ephesian elders he said:
Acts 20:18–21
“Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia,
after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations...
And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you...
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks,
repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Paul served with tears.
He also warned with tears.
Acts 20:29–31
“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you,
not sparing the flock.
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things,
to draw away disciples after them.
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years
I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.”
Paul loved doctrine and people.
He did not separate truth and tears.
He warned because he loved.
A true shepherd warns the flock.
Paul wrote many New Testament letters.
Romans proclaims the righteousness of God, sin, justification, grace, Israel, and gospel living.
Romans 1:16–17
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:
for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;
to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith:
as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
Corinthians deals with church disorder, holiness, spiritual gifts, love, and resurrection.
1 Corinthians 13:13
“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three;
but the greatest of these is charity.”
1 Corinthians 15:57
“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Galatians defends freedom from legalism and justification by faith.
Galatians 5:1
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free,
and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
Ephesians reveals the church, grace, spiritual blessings, and spiritual warfare.
Ephesians 1:3
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”
Ephesians 6:11
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Philippians teaches joy in Christ even in prison.
Philippians 1:21
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”
Colossians exalts the supremacy of Christ.
Colossians 1:16–18
“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth...
And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
And he is the head of the body, the church...
that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
Timothy and Titus teach church leadership, sound doctrine, endurance, and godliness.
2 Timothy 3:16–17
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
Paul’s letters are still feeding the church because the Holy Ghost inspired Scripture.
Peter even referred to Paul’s writings as Scripture.
2 Peter 3:15–16
“Even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
As also in all his epistles...
which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.”
Paul went to Jerusalem knowing suffering awaited.
He said:
Acts 20:22–24
“And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem,
not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city,
saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
But none of these things move me,
neither count I my life dear unto myself,
so that I might finish my course with joy,
and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus,
to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”
“None of these things move me.”
Paul did not count his life dear.
He wanted to finish his course.
In Jerusalem, Paul was arrested. He testified before rulers, governors, and kings.
Jesus had said he would bear His name before kings.
Acts 9:15
“He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.”
That word came true.
Paul testified before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa.
Before Agrippa, he said:
Acts 26:22–23
“Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day,
witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead,
and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.”
Paul preached Christ even in chains.
Then he appealed to Caesar.
Acts 25:11–12
“I appeal unto Caesar.
Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered,
Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.”
God used Rome’s legal system to bring Paul to Rome.
On the voyage to Rome, Paul endured a great storm.
Acts 27:20
“And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared,
and no small tempest lay on us,
all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.”
But God spoke to Paul.
Acts 27:23–25
“For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar:
and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer:
for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.”
“I believe God.”
That is Paul in the storm.
The ship was breaking.
Hope was gone.
But Paul believed God.
This is faith.
Not faith because the sea was calm.
Faith in the middle of the storm.
The ship was wrecked, but all escaped alive.
Acts 27:44
“And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship.
And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.”
God kept His word.
Acts ends with Paul in Rome.
Acts 28:16
“And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard:
but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.”
He called Jewish leaders and testified.
Acts 28:23
“And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging;
to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God,
persuading them concerning Jesus,
both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.”
Paul preached Jesus from Moses and the prophets.
Then Acts ends:
Acts 28:30–31
“And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house,
and received all that came in unto him,
Preaching the kingdom of God,
and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ,
with all confidence, no man forbidding him.”
That is the final picture in Acts.
Paul is chained, but the Word is not chained.
He receives all who come.
He preaches the kingdom of God.
He teaches the Lord Jesus Christ.
He does it with confidence.
Paul later wrote from prison:
Philippians 1:12–14
“But I would ye should understand, brethren,
that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds,
are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”
Prison did not stop Paul. It spread the gospel.
In 2 Timothy, Paul writes like a man near the end.
He says:
2 Timothy 1:8–12
“Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord,
nor of me his prisoner:
but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling,
not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace,
which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began...
For the which cause I also suffer these things:
nevertheless I am not ashamed:
for I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”
“I know whom I have believed.”
Not merely what.
Whom.
Paul’s confidence was in Christ Himself.
Later he writes:
2 Timothy 2:8–10
“Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds;
but the word of God is not bound.
Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes,
that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”
“The word of God is not bound.”
Paul was bound.
The Word was free.
Then comes his final charge:
2 Timothy 4:1–5
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ,
who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season;
reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine...
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions,
do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”
Preach the word.
That is Paul’s charge before death.
Not entertain.
Not flatter.
Not follow trends.
Preach the Word.
Then Paul says:
2 Timothy 4:6–8
“For I am now ready to be offered,
and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight,
I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:
and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
This is Paul’s farewell.
Ready to be offered.
Departure at hand.
Fought a good fight.
Finished the course.
Kept the faith.
Crown of righteousness laid up.
Paul was not trusting in Caesar’s mercy.
He was looking to the righteous Judge.
Scripture does not record Paul’s execution. Acts leaves him preaching in Rome. 2 Timothy
presents him near death, ready to be offered.
Early Christian tradition says Paul was later martyred in Rome, most likely under Nero. Because Paul was a Roman citizen, the traditional account is that he was beheaded rather than crucified. The exact details are not given in Scripture, so we should speak carefully.
But what Scripture does give us is Paul’s readiness to die.
He wrote:
Philippians 1:20–24
“According to my earnest expectation and my hope,
that in nothing I shall be ashamed,
but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body,
whether it be by life, or by death.
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour:
yet what I shall choose I wot not.
For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart,
and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.”
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
That is the heart of a man ready for martyrdom.
If he lives, Christ is magnified.
If he dies, he is with Christ.
Paul also said:
Acts 21:13
“What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart?
for I am ready not to be bound only,
but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Paul was ready to die for the name of Jesus.
The man who once consented to Stephen’s death would eventually seal his own testimony with blood.
That is grace.
Paul did not face death as a man without hope.
He believed in resurrection.
Before the council he cried:
Acts 23:6
“Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee:
of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.”
Before Felix he said:
Acts 24:15
“And have hope toward God...
that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.”
He preached the resurrection of Christ as central.
1 Corinthians 15:20–22
“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
And:
1 Corinthians 15:54–57
“Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Paul could face death because Jesus had conquered death.
Paul was a persecutor, but Christ saved him.
1 Timothy 1:16
“For a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.”
Paul had religious credentials, but counted them loss.
Philippians 3:8
“I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.”
Acts 9:6
“Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”
1 Corinthians 2:2
“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”
Romans 5:1
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Titus 2:12
“Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly.”
2 Timothy 3:12
“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Timothy 2:9
“But the word of God is not bound.”
2 Timothy 4:7
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
Paul began as Saul the persecutor.
He watched Stephen die.
He made havoc of the church.
He dragged believers to prison.
He breathed threats and slaughter.
Then Jesus met him.
A light from heaven.
A voice from glory.
A humbled sinner.
A new man.
A chosen vessel.
Paul preached Christ.
Paul planted churches.
Paul wrote Scripture.
Paul suffered beatings, prisons, shipwrecks, hunger, cold, betrayal, and danger.
Paul preached grace.
Paul defended truth.
Paul loved the church.
Paul finished his course.
And near the end he could say:
2 Timothy 4:8
“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:
and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Paul’s story is not mainly about Paul.
It is about Jesus Christ.
Jesus saves enemies.
Jesus opens blind eyes.
Jesus calls sinners.
Jesus sends witnesses.
Jesus strengthens sufferers.
Jesus gives grace.
Jesus keeps His servants.
Jesus is worth living for.
Jesus is worth dying for.
Paul said:
Philippians 1:21
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
May that be our testimony.
To live is Christ.
To die is gain.
Father, we thank You for the life of Paul.
We thank You that You saved Saul of Tarsus, the persecutor of the church.
We thank You that Jesus met him on the Damascus road.
We thank You that You opened his eyes, filled him with the Holy Ghost, and made him a chosen vessel.
We thank You for his preaching, his missionary labours, his letters, his sufferings, and his final testimony.
Lord, teach us through Paul.
Deliver us from self-righteous religion.
Deliver us from zeal without truth.
Deliver us from trusting in our own works.
Bring us to Christ crucified and risen.
Help us count all things loss for the excellency of knowing Jesus.
Help us preach the Word in season and out of season.
Help us endure suffering.
Help us finish our course.
Help us keep the faith.
Thank You for the gospel of grace.
Thank You that we are justified by faith.
Thank You that there is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.
Thank You that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
May we say with Paul:
“I am crucified with Christ.”
“To live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main Scriptures: Matthew 4, Matthew 16, Luke 22, John 21, Acts 1–12, 1 Peter, 2 Peter
Important correction: Peter did not write the book of Acts. Luke wrote Acts as the second part of his account to Theophilus. But Acts records Peter as one of the main apostolic leaders in the early church, especially in Acts 1–12.
Acts 1:1–2
“The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
Until the day in which he was taken up…”
Luke wrote Acts, but Peter is one of the central men in Acts.
Main theme: Peter was called by Jesus, renamed by Jesus, corrected by Jesus, restored by Jesus, empowered by the Holy Ghost, and used as a foundational apostolic witness in the church. Peter was given a leading role, the keys of the kingdom, and a shepherding commission, yet the New Testament always presents Jesus Christ Himself as the true Head of the church.
Colossians 1:18
“And he is the head of the body, the church:
who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead;
that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
Peter is one of the most well-known men in the New Testament.
He was a fisherman.
He was called by Jesus.
He was renamed by Jesus.
He walked on water.
He confessed Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God.
He saw Jesus transfigured in glory.
He promised loyalty, then denied Jesus three times.
He wept bitterly.
He was restored by the risen Christ.
He preached at Pentecost.
He opened the door of the gospel to Jews in Acts 2 and to Gentiles in Acts 10.
He healed in the name of Jesus.
He stood before rulers and said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”
He wrote letters teaching believers to suffer faithfully, live holy lives, and look for the coming of the Lord.
Peter’s life is powerful because he was not perfect.
He was bold, but sometimes rash.
He was zealous, but sometimes fearful.
He spoke great truth, but also needed sharp rebuke.
He loved Jesus, but denied Him.
He fell badly, but was restored deeply.
Peter’s story is the story of grace.
Jesus did not choose Peter because Peter was naturally unshakable. Jesus chose Peter, shaped Peter, prayed for Peter, restored Peter, and made Peter useful.
Peter became a rock because Jesus worked on him.
And that is important.
The strength of Peter was not Peter.
The strength of Peter was Christ.
Peter’s original name was Simon.
He was a fisherman with his brother Andrew.
Matthew 4:18–20
“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother,
casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.”
Jesus called Peter with two words:
“Follow me.”
That is where discipleship begins.
Not with Peter’s greatness.
Not with Peter’s understanding.
Not with Peter’s courage.
Not with Peter’s office.
It begins with Jesus calling him.
“Follow me.”
Jesus also said:
“I will make you fishers of men.”
That means Peter did not make himself an apostle. Jesus would make him. Jesus would shape him. Jesus would train him. Jesus would change his purpose.
Peter had been catching fish.
Now he would gather souls.
Luke gives more detail about Peter’s call. Jesus told Peter to launch out into the deep.
Luke 5:4–6
“Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon,
Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing:
nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.”
Peter saw the power of Jesus.
Then Peter saw his own sinfulness.
Luke 5:8
“When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying,
Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”
That is a true beginning.
Peter did not say, “I am worthy to be used.”
He said, “I am a sinful man.”
The nearer a person comes to Christ, the more clearly they see their own need for mercy.
Isaiah had the same experience.
Isaiah 6:5
“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone;
because I am a man of unclean lips…”
But Jesus did not depart from Peter.
Luke 5:10–11
“And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.”
Peter’s ministry began with conviction, mercy, and calling.
“Fear not.”
Jesus calls sinners, cleanses sinners, and then uses sinners for His glory.
When Andrew first brought Simon to Jesus, Jesus gave Simon a new name.
John 1:41–42
“He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him,
We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
And he brought him to Jesus.
And when Jesus beheld him, he said,
Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas,
which is by interpretation, A stone.”
Jesus looked at Simon and said, “Thou shalt be called Cephas.”
Cephas means stone. Peter means rock or stone.
Jesus saw not only what Simon was, but what grace would make him.
At that time, Simon was not always rock-like. He could be unstable. He could speak too quickly. He could be afraid. He could sink. He could deny.
But Jesus named him according to what He would make him.
This is grace.
God often gives a new identity before the full transformation is visible.
Abram became Abraham.
Jacob became Israel.
Simon became Peter.
In Christ, believers also receive new identity.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Jesus changes people.
Simon the fisherman becomes Peter the apostolic witness.
One of the most important moments in Peter’s life happened at Caesarea Philippi.
Jesus asked:
Matthew 16:13
“Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?”
The disciples answered:
Matthew 16:14
“Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.”
Then Jesus asked the question every soul must answer:
Matthew 16:15
“But whom say ye that I am?”
Peter answered:
Matthew 16:16
“And Simon Peter answered and said,
Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
This is the great confession.
Jesus is the Christ.
Jesus is the Messiah.
Jesus is the Son of the living God.
This confession is not small. It is the foundation of true faith.
John wrote:
John 20:31
“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God;
and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
Peter confessed what every Christian must believe.
Jesus replied:
Matthew 16:17
“And Jesus answered and said unto him,
Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona:
for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee,
but my Father which is in heaven.”
Peter did not come to this by human cleverness. The Father revealed it.
No one truly sees Christ unless God opens their eyes.
Matthew 11:27
“All things are delivered unto me of my Father:
and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father;
neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son,
and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.”
Peter’s confession came by revelation.
Then Jesus said:
Matthew 16:18–19
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my church;
and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven:
and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven:
and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
This is one of the most discussed passages in the Bible.
Jesus says, “Thou art Peter,” and “upon this rock I will build my church.”
Peter clearly has a special and foundational role among the apostles. In Acts, Peter stands up in leadership. Peter preaches at Pentecost. Peter opens the door of the gospel to Jews and Gentiles. Peter is given the keys of the kingdom in a visible way.
But we must also say what the whole New Testament says: Jesus Christ is the true Head of the church.
Ephesians 1:22–23
“And hath put all things under his feet,
and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
And:
Colossians 1:18
“And he is the head of the body, the church:
who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead;
that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
Christ is the Head.
Peter is not head instead of Christ. Peter is a leading apostle under Christ.
The church is built on Christ, and the apostles and prophets bear foundational witness to Christ.
Ephesians 2:19–20
“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners,
but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.”
The apostles are foundational, but Jesus Christ Himself is the chief cornerstone.
Peter himself later preached:
Acts 4:10–12
“Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel,
that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead,
even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders,
which is become the head of the corner.
Neither is there salvation in any other:
for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Peter did not preach himself as the saving rock. He preached Christ as the cornerstone.
Peter also wrote:
1 Peter 2:4–6
“To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house…
Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture,
Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious:
and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.”
Jesus is the living Stone.
Believers are living stones.
Peter is one of those stones and an apostolic foundation witness.
Christ is the chief cornerstone and Head.
So we honour Peter’s appointed role without taking glory from Christ.
Jesus said:
Matthew 16:19
“And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven…”
Keys speak of opening and authority.
In Acts, Peter uses these keys in a remarkable way.
In Acts 2, Peter preaches to Jews in Jerusalem, and about three thousand souls are added.
Acts 2:14
“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them,
Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you…”
Peter stands up with the eleven. He is not alone, but he is leading in speech.
He preaches Christ crucified and risen.
Acts 2:22–24
“Ye men of Israel, hear these words;
Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs…
Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God,
ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death:
because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.”
He declares:
Acts 2:36
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly,
that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
The people are convicted.
Acts 2:37
“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart,
and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles,
Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
Peter answers:
Acts 2:38–39
“Then Peter said unto them,
Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,
and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children,
and to all that are afar off,
even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”
Here Peter opens the door to the Jews.
Then in Acts 10, Peter is sent to Cornelius, a Gentile.
Peter first says:
Acts 10:34–35
“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said,
Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”
Then he preaches Jesus.
Acts 10:38–40
“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power:
who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil;
for God was with him.
And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem;
whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly.”
Then he says:
Acts 10:43
“To him give all the prophets witness,
that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”
While Peter preached, the Holy Ghost fell on the Gentiles.
Acts 10:44–45
“While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished…
because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Here Peter opens the door to the Gentiles.
This is the keys of the kingdom in action.
Peter does not invent salvation.
Peter does not replace Christ.
Peter proclaims Christ.
And as he preaches Christ, the door opens.
Immediately after Peter’s great confession, Jesus began to teach about His death.
Matthew 16:21
“From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples,
how that he must go unto Jerusalem,
and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes,
and be killed, and be raised again the third day.”
Peter did not understand.
Matthew 16:22
“Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying,
Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.”
Peter confessed Jesus as Christ, but he did not yet understand that Christ must suffer.
Jesus rebuked him sharply.
Matthew 16:23
“But he turned, and said unto Peter,
Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me:
for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”
This is sobering.
Peter can speak by revelation in one moment and by human thinking in the next.
Peter’s confession was true.
Peter’s resistance to the cross was satanic in direction.
Why?
Because without the cross, there is no salvation.
Jesus did not come merely to reign politically. He came to die for sinners.
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister,
and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Peter had to learn that the kingdom comes through the cross.
Then Jesus said:
Matthew 16:24–25
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples,
If any man will come after me, let him deny himself,
and take up his cross, and follow me.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it:
and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.”
Peter wanted glory without suffering. Jesus taught the cross.
We must learn the same.
There is no Christianity without the cross.
Peter was one of the inner three: Peter, James, and John.
Jesus took them up the mount of transfiguration.
Matthew 17:1–2
“And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother,
and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
And was transfigured before them:
and his face did shine as the sun,
and his raiment was white as the light.”
Peter saw the glory of Christ.
Moses and Elijah appeared.
Matthew 17:3
“And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.”
Peter spoke rashly.
Matthew 17:4
“Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus,
Lord, it is good for us to be here:
if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles;
one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.”
But the Father interrupted.
Matthew 17:5
“While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them:
and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said,
This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”
“Hear ye him.”
Moses represented the law.
Elijah represented the prophets.
But the Father says: hear My Son.
Jesus is greater than Moses.
Jesus is greater than Elijah.
Jesus fulfils the law and the prophets.
Peter later wrote about this event.
2 Peter 1:16–18
“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables,
when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For he received from God the Father honour and glory,
when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory,
This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
And this voice which came from heaven we heard,
when we were with him in the holy mount.”
Peter was an eyewitness of majesty.
He did not preach myths.
He preached what he saw and heard.
Peter’s faith was bold, but often mixed with fear.
When Jesus came walking on the sea, Peter said:
Matthew 14:28
“Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.”
Jesus answered:
Matthew 14:29
“And he said, Come.
And when Peter was come down out of the ship,
he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.”
Peter walked on water.
But then:
Matthew 14:30
“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid;
and beginning to sink, he cried, saying,
Lord, save me.”
That is one of the shortest and best prayers in the Bible:
“Lord, save me.”
Jesus responded immediately.
Matthew 14:31
“And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him,
and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”
Peter had faith enough to step out.
But fear made him sink.
This is the Christian life often.
We look at Jesus and walk.
We look at the storm and sink.
But when Peter cried, Jesus caught him.
That is mercy.
Psalm 34:17
“The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth,
and delivereth them out of all their troubles.”
Peter learned that he was safe not because his faith was perfect, but because Jesus’ hand was strong.
At the Last Supper, Jesus told Peter something painful.
Luke 22:31–32
“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you,
that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not:
and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”
This is one of the most important passages in Peter’s life.
Satan desired to sift Peter.
But Jesus prayed for Peter.
That is why Peter survived.
Not because Peter was stronger than Satan.
Not because Peter’s courage was perfect.
Not because Peter understood himself.
Peter survived because Jesus interceded.
Hebrews 7:25
“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him,
seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
Jesus said, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”
Peter would fall, but he would be restored.
Peter would weep, but he would preach.
Peter would deny, but he would later strengthen others.
Peter answered with confidence.
Luke 22:33
“And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.”
Jesus replied:
Luke 22:34
“And he said, I tell thee, Peter,
the cock shall not crow this day,
before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.”
Peter thought he knew himself. Jesus knew Peter better.
This is a warning.
Self-confidence is dangerous.
1 Corinthians 10:12
“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”
Peter thought he was ready for prison and death. Within hours, he denied even knowing Jesus.
When Jesus was arrested, Peter followed at a distance.
Luke 22:54
“Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house.
And Peter followed afar off.”
Following afar off is dangerous.
Peter sat among the wrong crowd, warming himself by the enemy’s fire.
Luke 22:55
“And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall,
and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.”
Then came the denials.
Luke 22:56–57
“But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire,
and earnestly looked upon him, and said,
This man was also with him.
And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.”
Again:
Luke 22:58
“And after a little while another saw him, and said,
Thou art also of them.
And Peter said, Man, I am not.”
A third time:
Luke 22:59–60
“And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying,
Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest.
And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.”
Then Jesus looked at Peter.
Luke 22:61–62
“And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.
And Peter remembered the word of the Lord,
how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.”
Peter wept bitterly.
This is real repentance.
Peter did not make excuses.
He did not blame pressure.
He did not blame the servant girl.
He did not claim he had done nothing wrong.
He wept.
The rock had broken.
But Jesus was not finished with him.
After the resurrection, the angel gave a special message.
Mark 16:6–7
“And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted:
Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified:
he is risen; he is not here:
behold the place where they laid him.
But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter
that he goeth before you into Galilee…”
“Tell his disciples and Peter.”
Peter is singled out by grace.
The disciple who denied needed to know he was not cast away.
Then in John 21, Jesus restored Peter publicly.
Three times Peter had denied.
Three times Jesus asked about love.
John 21:15
“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter,
Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?
He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.
He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.”
Again:
John 21:16
“He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?
He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.
He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”
A third time:
John 21:17
“He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?
Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me?
And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.
Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”
Jesus restored Peter to shepherding service.
Feed My lambs.
Feed My sheep.
Notice: Jesus says My sheep.
The sheep belong to Christ.
Peter is not owner of the flock. He is a shepherd under the Chief Shepherd.
Peter later wrote:
1 Peter 5:2–4
“Feed the flock of God which is among you,
taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly;
not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
Neither as being lords over God's heritage,
but being ensamples to the flock.
And when the chief Shepherd shall appear,
ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”
Peter learned this well.
Jesus is the Chief Shepherd.
Peter is an under-shepherd.
This matters for all church leadership.
No pastor owns the flock.
No apostle owns the flock.
No elder owns the flock.
The flock belongs to God.
In Acts 2, Peter is transformed.
The fearful man who denied Jesus before a servant girl now stands before Jerusalem and preaches boldly.
Why?
Because the Holy Ghost came.
Acts 2:1–4
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come,
they were all with one accord in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind,
and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire,
and it sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost…”
Then Peter stood up.
Acts 2:14
“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice…”
Peter preached from the prophet Joel.
Acts 2:16–18
“But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God,
I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh…”
He preached Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Acts 2:23–24
“Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God,
ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death:
because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.”
He preached Jesus as Lord and Christ.
Acts 2:36
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly,
that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
Then he called them to repent.
Acts 2:38
“Then Peter said unto them,
Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ
for the remission of sins,
and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
About three thousand souls were added.
Acts 2:41
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:
and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
Peter did not build the church by personality.
Christ built His church through the preaching of the gospel and the power of the Holy Ghost.
In Acts 3, Peter and John went to the temple and saw a lame man.
Peter said:
Acts 3:6
“Silver and gold have I none;
but such as I have give I thee:
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”
The man was healed.
Acts 3:8
“And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple,
walking, and leaping, and praising God.”
Peter used the miracle to preach Christ.
Acts 3:14–15
“But ye denied the Holy One and the Just,
and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;
And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead;
whereof we are witnesses.”
He called them to repentance.
Acts 3:19
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted,
that your sins may be blotted out…”
Then Peter and John were arrested.
When questioned, Peter said:
Acts 4:8–12
“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them,
Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel…
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel,
that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead,
even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders,
which is become the head of the corner.
Neither is there salvation in any other:
for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
This is Peter’s gospel.
Jesus Christ crucified.
Jesus Christ risen.
Jesus Christ the cornerstone.
Jesus Christ the only name that saves.
Peter did not preach salvation through Peter.
Peter preached salvation through Jesus.
The rulers commanded them not to speak in Jesus’ name.
Peter and John answered:
Acts 4:19–20
“Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”
Later, they were again commanded to stop preaching.
Peter answered:
Acts 5:29
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said,
We ought to obey God rather than men.”
This is holy boldness.
A Christian should obey lawful authority where it does not contradict God. But when man commands what God forbids, or forbids what God commands, the answer is:
“We ought to obey God rather than men.”
Peter then preached again:
Acts 5:30–32
“The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour,
for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
And we are his witnesses of these things;
and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.”
Peter was no longer afraid like he had been in the courtyard.
The Holy Ghost made him bold.
In Acts 10, Peter received a vision.
He saw a sheet let down from heaven with animals, and heard:
Acts 10:13
“Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.”
Peter resisted.
Acts 10:14
“But Peter said, Not so, Lord;
for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.”
The voice answered:
Acts 10:15
“What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.”
God was preparing Peter to go to Cornelius, a Gentile.
When Peter arrived, he said:
Acts 10:28
“Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew
to keep company, or come unto one of another nation;
but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.”
This was a major turning point.
Peter preached Christ to Cornelius and his household.
Acts 10:43
“To him give all the prophets witness,
that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”
Then the Holy Ghost fell on the Gentiles.
Peter later explained:
Acts 11:15–17
“And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said,
John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us,
who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ;
what was I, that I could withstand God?”
“What was I, that I could withstand God?”
Peter understood: God had opened the door to the Gentiles.
Then the church glorified God.
Acts 11:18
“When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying,
Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.”
This is the gospel going to the nations.
Peter used the keys.
The Gentiles were not saved by becoming Jews first. They were saved by faith in Jesus Christ.
In Acts 15, some taught that Gentile believers had to be circumcised and keep the law of Moses to be saved.
Acts 15:1
“And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said,
Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.”
Peter stood up and testified.
Acts 15:7–11
“Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us,
that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost,
even as he did unto us;
And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Now therefore why tempt ye God,
to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples,
which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ
we shall be saved, even as they.”
This is a vital statement.
Peter says both Jews and Gentiles are saved the same way:
Through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Not by circumcision.
Not by law-keeping as the basis of justification.
Not by ethnic identity.
Not by human works.
By grace.
Paul taught the same:
Ephesians 2:8–9
“For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Peter and Paul preached the same salvation: grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Peter was a great apostle, but he was still a man who could err.
In Galatians 2, Paul rebuked Peter.
Galatians 2:11–13
“But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face,
because he was to be blamed.
For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles:
but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself,
fearing them which were of the circumcision.
And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him;
insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.”
Peter had already learned that Gentiles were not unclean. But under pressure, he withdrew from Gentile believers.
Paul saw that this compromised the truth of the gospel.
Galatians 2:14
“But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel,
I said unto Peter before them all…”
This teaches us something important.
Peter had a leading role, but Peter was not above correction.
Peter was foundational, but Peter was not sinless.
Peter was an apostle, but Christ alone is perfect.
The authority of the church is not personal pride. It is the truth of the gospel.
Even Peter had to submit to the truth of Christ.
Paul then wrote:
Galatians 2:16
“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law,
but by the faith of Jesus Christ…”
And:
Galatians 2:20
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live;
yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…”
Peter later showed respect for Paul’s writings.
2 Peter 3:15–16
“Even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
As also in all his epistles…”
Peter calls Paul “our beloved brother.”
That shows humility and unity in truth.
Peter wrote 1 Peter and 2 Peter.
In 1 Peter, he writes to believers scattered and suffering.
1 Peter 1:1–2
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father,
through sanctification of the Spirit,
unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ…”
Peter calls them strangers.
Believers are pilgrims in this world.
He points them to living hope.
1 Peter 1:3–5
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope
by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away,
reserved in heaven for you,
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation…”
Peter’s hope is resurrection hope.
He then speaks of trials.
1 Peter 1:6–7
“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be,
ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth,
though it be tried with fire,
might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”
Peter knew what it meant to have faith tried.
He had been sifted.
He had fallen.
He had been restored.
Now he strengthens his brethren, just as Jesus said.
Peter did not preach cheap grace.
He wrote:
1 Peter 1:15–16
“But as he which hath called you is holy,
so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
Grace calls us to holiness.
Peter reminds believers they were redeemed by blood.
1 Peter 1:18–19
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things,
as silver and gold…
But with the precious blood of Christ,
as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
Peter knew the value of blood.
He had denied Jesus.
He had been forgiven.
He had preached the cross.
He knew redemption is not by silver or gold, but by the precious blood of Christ.
He also writes:
1 Peter 2:24
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree,
that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness:
by whose stripes ye were healed.”
Jesus bore our sins.
Not so we could continue in sin, but so we should live unto righteousness.
Peter writes:
1 Peter 2:21–23
“For even hereunto were ye called:
because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example,
that ye should follow his steps:
Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again;
when he suffered, he threatened not;
but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.”
Peter had once pulled a sword in the garden.
John 18:10
“Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it,
and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear.”
But later Peter learned the way of Christ: suffer without reviling, trust Him who judges righteously.
Peter writes:
1 Peter 4:12–13
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you,
as though some strange thing happened unto you:
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings;
that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
Do not think suffering strange.
Peter knew the Christian life includes suffering.
But suffering with Christ leads to glory with Christ.
In 2 Peter, Peter warns about false teachers.
2 Peter 2:1
“But there were false prophets also among the people,
even as there shall be false teachers among you,
who privily shall bring in damnable heresies,
even denying the Lord that bought them,
and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”
Peter did not preach love without truth. He warned the church.
He also warned that scoffers would come.
2 Peter 3:3–4
“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
And saying, Where is the promise of his coming?”
Peter answers:
2 Peter 3:9–10
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness;
but is longsuffering to us-ward,
not willing that any should perish,
but that all should come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night…”
The Lord is patient, but the day will come.
Therefore Peter says:
2 Peter 3:11–12
“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved,
what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God…”
Peter’s doctrine of the second coming leads to holiness.
If Christ is coming, live holy.
Scripture does not give a detailed account of Peter’s death. But Jesus foretold that Peter would die in a way that glorified God.
After restoring Peter, Jesus said:
John 21:18–19
“Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest:
but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands,
and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God.
And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.”
Peter had once said he was ready to die for Jesus, but failed.
Later Jesus told him that one day he would truly die in a way that glorified God.
And after saying this, Jesus gave the same command as at the beginning:
“Follow me.”
Peter’s life begins with “Follow me.”
Peter’s life ends under the same call: “Follow me.”
This is the Christian life.
Follow Jesus in youth.
Follow Jesus in age.
Follow Jesus in strength.
Follow Jesus in weakness.
Follow Jesus in service.
Follow Jesus in suffering.
Follow Jesus unto death.
Peter later wrote:
2 Peter 1:13–15
“Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle,
to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;
Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle,
even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease
to have these things always in remembrance.”
Peter knew his death was near. He wanted believers to remember truth after he was gone.
That is the heart of a shepherd.
Peter said:
Luke 5:8
“Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”
But Jesus said:
Luke 5:10
“Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.”
Jesus calls sinful people and makes them useful.
Matthew 16:18
“Upon this rock I will build my church;
and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
The church belongs to Christ.
The power belongs to Christ.
The victory belongs to Christ.
Colossians 1:18
“And he is the head of the body, the church…”
1 Peter 2:6
“Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious…”
Peter is foundational as an apostolic witness, but Christ is the Head and cornerstone.
Luke 22:33
“Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.”
But Peter denied Him.
1 Corinthians 10:12
“Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”
John 21:17
“Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.
Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”
Failure does not have to be final.
Acts 4:8
“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them…”
The Peter who denied became the Peter who preached.
Acts 4:12
“Neither is there salvation in any other…”
Peter’s message was Christ alone.
Acts 15:11
“But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.”
All are saved by grace through faith in Christ.
John 21:19
“This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God.”
Peter’s final path was suffering, but even death could glorify God.
John 21:19
“Follow me.”
That is the call from beginning to end.
Peter’s life is a testimony of grace.
He was called from fishing.
He confessed Jesus as the Christ.
He was named Peter.
He was given keys of the kingdom.
He was a leading apostle.
He preached at Pentecost.
He opened the gospel door to the Gentiles.
He strengthened the church.
He wrote Scripture.
He fed Christ’s sheep.
But Peter was not perfect.
He misunderstood the cross.
He spoke rashly.
He sank in the waves.
He slept in Gethsemane.
He used the sword.
He denied Jesus three times.
He needed restoration.
He later needed correction from Paul.
That means Peter’s greatness is not in Peter alone.
Peter’s greatness is in the grace of Jesus Christ.
Jesus called him.
Jesus prayed for him.
Jesus restored him.
Jesus filled him with the Holy Ghost.
Jesus used him to preach salvation.
Peter was a rock because he was built on the true Rock.
1 Corinthians 10:4
“And that Rock was Christ.”
Christ is the true Rock.
Christ is the cornerstone.
Christ is the Head of the church.
Christ is the Chief Shepherd.
Christ is the Saviour.
Christ is the one name under heaven whereby we must be saved.
Peter would agree.
Peter preached:
Acts 4:12
“Neither is there salvation in any other:
for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
So today, do not stop at Peter.
Let Peter lead you to Christ.
Come to Jesus, the Son of the living God.
Come to Jesus, the crucified and risen Lord.
Come to Jesus, the cornerstone rejected by men but chosen by God.
Come to Jesus, the Head of the church.
Come to Jesus, the Chief Shepherd.
Come to Jesus, the One who restores fallen disciples.
Come to Jesus, the only Saviour.
And if you have fallen like Peter, come back.
If you have denied Him, repent.
If you have followed afar off, return.
If you have wept bitterly, hear the risen Christ call your name.
If you have failed, let Jesus restore you.
If you love Him, feed His sheep.
If you belong to Him, follow Him.
1 Peter 5:10–11
“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus,
after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
Father, we thank You for the apostle Peter.
We thank You that Jesus called him from the fishing boat.
We thank You that You revealed to him that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
We thank You that Peter was given a leading apostolic role and used to preach the gospel with boldness.
Lord, we also thank You that Peter’s failure was not final.
Thank You that Jesus prayed for him.
Thank You that Jesus restored him.
Thank You that the man who denied Christ became a preacher of Christ.
Lord, make us like Peter in his faith, boldness, repentance, and love for Christ.
Keep us from Peter’s pride and self-confidence.
Fill us with the Holy Ghost.
Teach us to obey God rather than men.
Teach us to preach Jesus Christ crucified and risen.
Thank You that Jesus is the true Rock, the Head of the church, the Chief Shepherd, and the only Saviour.
Thank You that there is salvation in no other name.
Restore the fallen.
Strengthen the weak.
Feed Your sheep.
Build Your church.
And let the gates of hell never prevail against it.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main Scriptures: Daniel 1–12, Ezekiel 14, Matthew 24, Hebrews 11, Revelation
Main theme: Daniel teaches us how to remain faithful in a corrupt world, how to pray in exile, how to stand before kings without compromise, how God rules over nations, and how all earthly kingdoms will give way to the everlasting kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Daniel was a young man taken from his homeland into Babylon.
He did not choose Babylon.
He did not choose exile.
He did not choose to live under a pagan empire.
He did not choose to have his nation conquered.
He did not choose to serve under kings who did not know the Lord.
But Daniel chose faithfulness.
Daniel shows us how a believer can live in the middle of a corrupt world without becoming corrupt.
He served in Babylon, but Babylon did not own his soul.
He learned the language of Babylon, but he did not forget the God of Israel.
He worked in government, but he did not worship government.
He stood before kings, but he feared God more than kings.
He was surrounded by idols, but he prayed to the living God.
He was threatened with death, but he remained faithful.
Daniel’s life teaches us that the people of God can be faithful even in exile.
The Bible says of Daniel:
Daniel 1:8
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…”
That is one of the great statements of Scripture.
Daniel purposed in his heart.
Before the lion’s den, Daniel had already purposed in his heart.
Before the king’s decree, Daniel had already purposed in his heart.
Before temptation came, Daniel had already purposed in his heart.
If we do not purpose in the heart before the test comes, we may fall when the test comes.
Daniel is also one of the few men in Scripture of whom very little negative is recorded. This does not mean Daniel was sinless. Only Jesus Christ is sinless. But Daniel was a man of exceptional faithfulness, prayer, humility, wisdom, and courage.
Even the prophet Ezekiel mentions Daniel alongside Noah and Job.
Ezekiel 14:14
“Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it,
they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness,
saith the Lord GOD.”
Again:
Ezekiel 14:20
“Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it,
as I live, saith the Lord GOD,
they shall deliver neither son nor daughter;
they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.”
Daniel was known as a righteous man.
But Daniel’s greatness was not in Daniel himself. Daniel’s greatness was that he trusted the living God.
And the book of Daniel is not only about Daniel. It is about the God who rules over kings and kingdoms.
The message of Daniel is this:
God rules in exile.
God rules in Babylon.
God rules over kings.
God rules over beasts and empires.
God rules over dreams and visions.
God rules over furnaces and lions.
God rules over history.
God rules over the end of days.
And His kingdom shall never be destroyed.
Daniel’s story begins with judgment.
Daniel 1:1–2
“In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem,
and besieged it.
And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand,
with part of the vessels of the house of God:
which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god;
and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.”
Notice the words:
“And the Lord gave…”
Babylon conquered Jerusalem, but Babylon was not ultimately in control. The Lord gave Jehoiakim into Nebuchadnezzar’s hand.
This happened because Israel had sinned against God repeatedly. The prophets had warned the people, but they would not listen.
Jeremiah had warned of Babylon.
Jeremiah 25:8–11
“Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts;
Because ye have not heard my words,
Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD,
and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant,
and will bring them against this land…
And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment;
and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.”
Judah’s exile was not an accident. It was the discipline of God.
This teaches us that sin has consequences.
Galatians 6:7–8
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked:
for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption;
but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
Daniel lived in the consequences of his nation’s sin, even though he himself is shown as faithful.
Sometimes righteous people suffer in the fallout of a wicked generation.
Daniel did not say, “Because I am faithful, I will not experience exile.”
He was faithful in exile.
That is a word for us.
We may live in a nation that turns from God.
We may live in a culture that mocks holiness.
We may live under systems that do not honour the Lord.
But we are still called to be faithful.
Nebuchadnezzar wanted to train young men from Judah for service in Babylon.
Daniel 1:3–4
“And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs,
that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;
Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom,
and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science,
and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace,
and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.”
Babylon wanted the best young men.
They wanted to educate them in Babylon’s learning.
They wanted to change their language.
They wanted to change their names.
They wanted to reshape their identity.
They wanted to make them useful to Babylon.
Daniel and his friends were given Babylonian names.
Daniel 1:6–7
“Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names:
for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar;
and to Hananiah, of Shadrach;
and to Mishael, of Meshach;
and to Azariah, of Abednego.”
Their Hebrew names pointed to God. Their Babylonian names connected them with Babylonian culture and gods.
Babylon can change your surroundings.
Babylon can change your job.
Babylon can change your title.
Babylon can change what people call you.
But Babylon cannot change your heart unless you surrender it.
Daniel was given a Babylonian name, but he kept a Hebrew heart.
Then came the test of food.
Daniel 1:5
“And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat,
and of the wine which he drank:
so nourishing them three years,
that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.”
To many people this would seem like promotion. The king’s food. The king’s wine. The palace table.
But Daniel saw danger.
Daniel 1:8
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself
with the portion of the king's meat,
nor with the wine which he drank:
therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs
that he might not defile himself.”
Daniel purposed in his heart.
He did not wait until he was older.
He did not say, “Everyone else is doing it.”
He did not say, “This is Babylon, and I have to fit in.”
He did not say, “God will understand compromise.”
He did not say, “It is only food.”
He purposed not to defile himself.
This is the first great lesson from Daniel.
If you want to stand in the lion’s den later, you must purpose in your heart at the king’s table now.
Small compromises prepare the heart for greater compromise.
Small faithfulness prepares the heart for greater faithfulness.
The Bible says:
Proverbs 4:23
“Keep thy heart with all diligence;
for out of it are the issues of life.”
Daniel kept his heart.
Daniel made his request respectfully.
Daniel 1:9
“Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.”
Daniel’s faithfulness did not make him rude. He was firm, but respectful.
He proposed a test.
Daniel 1:12–13
“Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days;
and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee,
and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat:
and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.”
God blessed them.
Daniel 1:15–17
“And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh
than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.
Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink;
and gave them pulse.
As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill
in all learning and wisdom:
and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”
God gave them knowledge and skill.
This does not mean every believer who refuses compromise will always be promoted immediately. Many faithful believers suffer. But Daniel shows us that wisdom comes from God.
James 1:5
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,
that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not;
and it shall be given him.”
Daniel’s wisdom was not merely human brilliance. It was a gift from God.
At the end of the training, they stood before Nebuchadnezzar.
Daniel 1:19–20
“And the king communed with them;
and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
therefore stood they before the king.
And in all matters of wisdom and understanding,
that the king enquired of them,
he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.”
God honoured their faithfulness.
Daniel’s life teaches us that holiness and excellence can go together.
A believer should not be lazy and call it spirituality.
A believer should not be careless and call it faith.
Daniel was holy, wise, disciplined, and excellent.
In Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream and demanded that the wise men tell both the dream and the interpretation.
The wise men admitted they could not do it.
Daniel 2:10–11
“The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said,
There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter…
And it is a rare thing that the king requireth,
and there is none other that can shew it before the king,
except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.”
They were right about man’s inability, but wrong about God’s distance.
The living God can reveal.
Daniel asked for time and gathered his friends to pray.
Daniel 2:17–18
“Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:
That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret;
that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.”
Daniel did not panic. He prayed.
Then God revealed the secret.
Daniel 2:19
“Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision.
Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.”
Daniel praised God.
Daniel 2:20–23
“Daniel answered and said,
Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever:
for wisdom and might are his:
And he changeth the times and the seasons:
he removeth kings, and setteth up kings:
he giveth wisdom unto the wise,
and knowledge to them that know understanding:
He revealeth the deep and secret things:
he knoweth what is in the darkness,
and the light dwelleth with him.
I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers,
who hast given me wisdom and might,
and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee.”
This is one of the great prayers of praise in Scripture.
God changes times and seasons.
God removes kings and sets up kings.
God gives wisdom.
God reveals deep things.
God knows what is in the darkness.
Light dwells with Him.
This is the God Daniel trusted.
Babylon had astrologers.
Babylon had magicians.
Babylon had power.
But Daniel had the living God.
When Daniel stood before the king, he did not take glory for himself.
Daniel 2:27–28
“Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said,
The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers,
shew unto the king;
But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets…”
“There is a God in heaven.”
That is Daniel’s message to Babylon.
There is a God above your throne.
There is a God above your empire.
There is a God above your idols.
There is a God above your wise men.
There is a God in heaven.
Nebuchadnezzar’s dream was of a great image with different metals, representing kingdoms. But then a stone struck the image.
Daniel 2:34–35
“Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands,
which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay,
and brake them to pieces.
Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together…
and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain,
and filled the whole earth.”
Daniel interpreted:
Daniel 2:44
“And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom,
which shall never be destroyed:
and the kingdom shall not be left to other people,
but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms,
and it shall stand for ever.”
This is one of the great kingdom prophecies in the Bible.
Earthly kingdoms rise and fall.
Babylon rises and falls.
Medo-Persia rises and falls.
Greece rises and falls.
Rome rises and falls.
Every human empire rises and falls.
But God’s kingdom stands forever.
The stone cut without hands points to a kingdom not built by man.
Ultimately, this points to Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the stone rejected by men but chosen by God.
Psalm 118:22
“The stone which the builders refused
is become the head stone of the corner.”
Peter preached:
Acts 4:10–12
“Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel,
that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead,
even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders,
which is become the head of the corner.
Neither is there salvation in any other…”
Jesus is the true King. His kingdom shall stand forever.
The angel said to Mary:
Luke 1:32–33
“He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest:
and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever;
and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”
Daniel saw what history proves: man’s kingdoms are temporary, but Christ’s kingdom is eternal.
Daniel 3 focuses on Daniel’s three friends: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Daniel is not named in this chapter, but the event belongs in a sermon on Daniel because it shows the same faithfulness in his companions.
Nebuchadnezzar made a golden image and commanded worship.
Daniel 3:4–6
“Then an herald cried aloud,
To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,
That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer,
and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image
that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:
And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”
This was forced worship.
Babylon says: bow or burn.
But the servants of God would not bow.
Daniel 3:16–18
“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king,
O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace,
and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
But if not, be it known unto thee, O king,
that we will not serve thy gods,
nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”
This is one of the greatest statements of faith in Scripture.
God is able.
God can deliver.
But if not, we will not bow.
Their faith was not conditional on escape.
They did not say, “We will serve God only if He keeps us from the furnace.”
They said, “Even if He does not deliver us in the way we desire, we will not worship your image.”
This is true faith.
Faith says: God can deliver.
Faith also says: even if I suffer, God is still God.
They were thrown into the furnace.
Daniel 3:24–25
“Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake,
and said unto his counsellors,
Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?
They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.
He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire,
and they have no hurt;
and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
There was a fourth in the fire.
God did not keep them from the furnace.
God met them in the furnace.
This points us to Christ’s presence with His people in suffering.
Isaiah 43:2
“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee;
and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:
when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned;
neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”
The believer may pass through fire, but Christ is with His people.
In Daniel 4, Nebuchadnezzar had another dream. Daniel interpreted it as a warning that the king would be humbled because of pride.
Daniel urged him to repent.
Daniel 4:27
“Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee,
and break off thy sins by righteousness,
and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor;
if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.”
Daniel did not flatter the king. He called him to righteousness and mercy.
But Nebuchadnezzar remained proud.
Daniel 4:30
“The king spake, and said,
Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom
by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?”
“My power.”
“My majesty.”
“My Babylon.”
Pride speaks this way.
Then judgment fell.
Daniel 4:31–32
“While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying,
O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken;
The kingdom is departed from thee.
And they shall drive thee from men,
and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field…
until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men,
and giveth it to whomsoever he will.”
The lesson was clear:
The Most High rules in the kingdom of men.
Nebuchadnezzar was humbled. Later, he lifted up his eyes to heaven.
Daniel 4:34–35
“And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven,
and mine understanding returned unto me,
and I blessed the most High,
and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever,
whose dominion is an everlasting dominion,
and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing:
and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven,
and among the inhabitants of the earth:
and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?”
This is one of the strongest statements of God’s sovereignty in Scripture.
None can stay His hand.
Nebuchadnezzar finally praised God.
Daniel 4:37
“Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven,
all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment:
and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.”
Those that walk in pride, God is able to abase.
The Bible says:
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goeth before destruction,
and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
And:
James 4:6
“God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
Daniel’s God humbles kings.
In Daniel 5, Belshazzar held a great feast and used the holy vessels from God’s temple for drunken idolatry.
Daniel 5:3–4
“Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God
which was at Jerusalem;
and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.
They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.”
This was blasphemy.
Then a hand wrote on the wall.
Daniel 5:5
“In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand,
and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace:
and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.”
Belshazzar was terrified.
Daniel was called. He reminded Belshazzar that Nebuchadnezzar had been humbled, yet Belshazzar had not humbled his heart.
Daniel 5:22–23
“And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart,
though thou knewest all this;
But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven;
and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee…
and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone,
which see not, nor hear, nor know:
and the God in whose hand thy breath is,
and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified.”
That is a frightening sentence:
“The God in whose hand thy breath is… hast thou not glorified.”
Every breath belongs to God.
Belshazzar used his breath to praise idols instead of glorifying the God who held his breath.
Daniel interpreted the writing:
Daniel 5:25–28
“And this is the writing that was written,
MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.
This is the interpretation of the thing:
MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.
TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.”
That very night, judgment fell.
Daniel 5:30–31
“In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.
And Darius the Median took the kingdom…”
This is a warning to every soul.
God numbers kingdoms.
God weighs men.
God finishes proud empires.
God judges blasphemy.
The Bible says:
Hebrews 9:27
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die,
but after this the judgment.”
Belshazzar reminds us: do not wait until the writing is on the wall to repent.
In Daniel 6, Daniel served under Darius. He was now an older man, but still faithful.
Daniel 6:3
“Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes,
because an excellent spirit was in him;
and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.”
An excellent spirit was in him.
Daniel had served under multiple kings and empires, yet his character remained.
The other leaders envied him and tried to find fault.
Daniel 6:4
“Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom;
but they could find none occasion nor fault;
forasmuch as he was faithful,
neither was there any error or fault found in him.”
What a testimony.
They could not find corruption.
They could not find dishonesty.
They could not find negligence.
So they attacked his worship.
Daniel 6:5
“Then said these men,
We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel,
except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.”
If your enemies looked for something against you, would they find faithfulness to God?
Daniel’s enemies knew the one area where Daniel would not compromise: his devotion to God.
They persuaded the king to sign a decree that no one could pray to any god or man except the king for thirty days.
Daniel 6:7
“All the presidents of the kingdom… have consulted together to establish a royal statute,
and to make a firm decree,
that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days,
save of thee, O king,
he shall be cast into the den of lions.”
Now Daniel had a choice.
Compromise prayer or face lions.
Daniel heard about the decree.
Daniel 6:10
“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed,
he went into his house;
and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem,
he kneeled upon his knees three times a day,
and prayed, and gave thanks before his God,
as he did aforetime.”
This is one of the greatest verses in Daniel.
When Daniel knew the law was signed, he prayed.
Not secretly out of fear.
Not loudly to show off.
Not differently to provoke.
He simply continued as before.
“As he did aforetime.”
The crisis did not create Daniel’s prayer life. It revealed Daniel’s prayer life.
Daniel had been praying before the lions.
The believer who waits until crisis to start praying may find the heart weak. Daniel had a habit of prayer.
He prayed three times a day.
David said:
Psalm 55:17
“Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud:
and he shall hear my voice.”
Daniel prayed toward Jerusalem, remembering God’s covenant and promises.
Solomon had prayed that if God’s people were taken captive and prayed toward the land and temple, God would hear.
1 Kings 8:46–49
“If they sin against thee… and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy,
so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy…
Yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives,
and repent…
And so return unto thee with all their heart…
and pray unto thee toward their land…
Then hear thou their prayer and their supplication in heaven thy dwelling place…”
Daniel knew the Word. Daniel prayed according to the Word.
That is powerful prayer.
Not merely emotion.
Not merely habit.
Prayer rooted in Scripture.
The enemies found him praying.
Daniel 6:11
“Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.”
Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den.
The king was troubled, but the law could not be changed. Daniel was cast into the den.
Daniel 6:16
“Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel,
and cast him into the den of lions.
Now the king spake and said unto Daniel,
Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.”
Even the king knew Daniel served God continually.
A stone was laid over the den.
Daniel 6:17
“And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den…”
The next morning, the king came quickly.
Daniel 6:20
“And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel:
and the king spake and said to Daniel,
O Daniel, servant of the living God,
is thy God, whom thou servest continually,
able to deliver thee from the lions?”
Daniel answered:
Daniel 6:21–22
“Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths,
that they have not hurt me:
forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me;
and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.”
God shut the lions’ mouths.
Hebrews likely refers to this kind of faith.
Hebrews 11:33
“Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises,
stopped the mouths of lions.”
Daniel’s deliverance brought glory to God.
Daniel 6:25–27
“Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth;
Peace be multiplied unto you.
I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel:
for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever,
and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed,
and his dominion shall be even unto the end.
He delivereth and rescueth,
and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth,
who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”
The pagan king declares truth:
He is the living God.
His kingdom shall not be destroyed.
His dominion is to the end.
He delivers and rescues.
Daniel’s faithfulness in the den became a testimony to the empire.
Daniel 9 shows Daniel reading Jeremiah and understanding that the seventy years of exile were nearing completion.
Daniel 9:2
“In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books
the number of the years,
whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet,
that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.”
Daniel read Scripture and then prayed.
Daniel 9:3
“And I set my face unto the Lord God,
to seek by prayer and supplications,
with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.”
Daniel’s prayer is one of the greatest prayers of confession in the Bible.
Daniel 9:4–5
“And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said,
O Lord, the great and dreadful God,
keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him,
and to them that keep his commandments;
We have sinned, and have committed iniquity,
and have done wickedly, and have rebelled,
even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments.”
Daniel says, “We have sinned.”
Daniel includes himself with the people.
He does not pray as a proud man saying, “They sinned.”
He prays as an intercessor saying, “We have sinned.”
He continues:
Daniel 9:8–10
“O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face,
to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers,
because we have sinned against thee.
To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses,
though we have rebelled against him;
Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God,
to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.”
This is true confession.
No excuses.
No blame shifting.
No minimizing sin.
Then Daniel appeals to God’s mercy.
Daniel 9:17–19
“Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications,
and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate,
for the Lord's sake.
O my God, incline thine ear, and hear;
open thine eyes, and behold our desolations,
and the city which is called by thy name:
for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses,
but for thy great mercies.
O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do;
defer not, for thine own sake, O my God:
for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.”
That line is beautiful:
“We do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.”
Daniel’s prayer rests on mercy.
This points us to the gospel.
We do not come to God because of our righteousness.
We come because of His mercy through Jesus Christ.
Titus 3:5
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to his mercy he saved us…”
Daniel prayed as an intercessor.
Jesus is the greater intercessor.
Hebrews 7:25
“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him,
seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
While Daniel was praying, Gabriel came to him.
Daniel 9:21–23
“Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer,
even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning,
being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.
And he informed me, and talked with me, and said,
O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.
At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth,
and I am come to shew thee;
for thou art greatly beloved…”
Daniel was greatly beloved.
Again in Daniel 10:
Daniel 10:11
“And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved,
understand the words that I speak unto thee…”
And:
Daniel 10:19
“And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not:
peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong.”
Daniel was not loved because he was sinless. He was loved by grace.
Every believer in Christ is beloved in the Beloved.
Ephesians 1:6
“To the praise of the glory of his grace,
wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”
If you are in Christ, you are accepted in the Beloved.
That gives strength to pray, stand, and endure.
Daniel 7 gives one of the greatest visions of the Messiah in the Old Testament.
Daniel saw four beasts representing kingdoms. Earthly empires can appear beast-like: powerful, violent, proud, devouring.
But then Daniel saw the Ancient of days.
Daniel 7:9–10
“I beheld till the thrones were cast down,
and the Ancient of days did sit,
whose garment was white as snow,
and the hair of his head like the pure wool:
his throne was like the fiery flame,
and his wheels as burning fire.
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him:
thousand thousands ministered unto him,
and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him:
the judgment was set, and the books were opened.”
Then Daniel saw one like the Son of man.
Daniel 7:13–14
“I saw in the night visions,
and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven,
and came to the Ancient of days,
and they brought him near before him.
And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom,
that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him:
his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”
This is a glorious prophecy of Christ.
Jesus repeatedly called Himself the Son of man.
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto,
but to minister,
and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Before the high priest, Jesus referred to Daniel 7.
Mark 14:61–62
“Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him,
Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?
And Jesus said, I am:
and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power,
and coming in the clouds of heaven.”
Jesus identified Himself with Daniel’s Son of man.
The Son of man receives dominion, glory, and a kingdom.
All peoples, nations, and languages will serve Him.
His dominion is everlasting.
His kingdom shall not be destroyed.
This is Jesus Christ.
Revelation says:
Revelation 11:15
“The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord,
and of his Christ;
and he shall reign for ever and ever.”
Daniel saw the end of all kingdoms in the reign of Christ.
Daniel 9 contains the prophecy of the seventy weeks. It is a deep prophetic passage, and Christians have discussed its details for centuries. But one truth is clear: it speaks of Messiah.
Daniel 9:24
“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city,
to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins,
and to make reconciliation for iniquity,
and to bring in everlasting righteousness,
and to seal up the vision and prophecy,
and to anoint the most Holy.”
This verse speaks of great redemptive purposes:
To finish transgression.
To make an end of sins.
To make reconciliation for iniquity.
To bring in everlasting righteousness.
These things are fulfilled in Christ.
Then Daniel says:
Daniel 9:26
“And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself…”
Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself.
This points to the death of Christ.
Jesus did not die for His own sin. He had none.
1 Peter 2:22
“Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.”
He was cut off for others.
Isaiah 53:8
“For he was cut off out of the land of the living:
for the transgression of my people was he stricken.”
Paul says:
Romans 4:25
“Who was delivered for our offences,
and was raised again for our justification.”
Christ was cut off, but not for Himself.
He died for sinners.
2 Corinthians 5:21
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Daniel’s prophecy points us toward the cross.
Daniel 12 speaks of the end and resurrection.
Daniel 12:2–3
“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake,
some to everlasting life,
and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament;
and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”
This is a clear Old Testament testimony to resurrection and judgment.
Some awake to everlasting life.
Some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Jesus taught the same.
John 5:28–29
“Marvel not at this:
for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
And shall come forth;
they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life;
and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”
Paul taught:
Acts 24:15
“And have hope toward God…
that there shall be a resurrection of the dead,
both of the just and unjust.”
Daniel also hears a personal promise.
Daniel 12:13
“But go thou thy way till the end be:
for thou shalt rest,
and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.”
Daniel would rest in death, but stand in resurrection.
This is hope.
For believers, death is not the end.
1 Corinthians 15:20–22
“But now is Christ risen from the dead,
and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
For since by man came death,
by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die,
even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
Daniel looked forward to resurrection.
We look back to Christ’s resurrection and forward to our own.
Daniel points to Jesus in many ways.
Daniel lived in Babylon without defilement.
Jesus came into the world and never sinned.
Hebrews 4:15
“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
Daniel was faithful imperfectly.
Jesus was faithful perfectly.
John 3:34
“For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God:
for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.”
Hebrews 7:25
“He ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
Daniel was sealed in a den with a stone.
Jesus was sealed in a tomb.
Matthew 27:60
“And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock:
and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.”
Daniel came out alive by God’s deliverance.
Jesus rose from the dead by divine power.
Matthew 28:6
“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.”
Luke 1:33
“And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever;
and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”
Daniel 7:14
“His dominion is an everlasting dominion…”
Mark 14:62
“Ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power,
and coming in the clouds of heaven.”
Daniel 9:26
“Messiah be cut off, but not for himself…”
Romans 5:8
“But God commendeth his love toward us,
in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Daniel points beyond Daniel to Christ.
Daniel 1:8
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…”
Faithfulness begins in the heart.
Do not wait until the test comes. Decide now.
Daniel did not control the empire, but he controlled his own faithfulness.
Philippians 2:15
“That ye may be blameless and harmless,
the sons of God, without rebuke,
in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation,
among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”
Daniel 6:10
“He kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed… as he did aforetime.”
Do not wait for lions before learning prayer.
Daniel 3:18
“We will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image…”
Modern idols may not be golden statues only. They may be money, power, pleasure, fame, self, government, technology, or false religion.
1 John 5:21
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.”
Daniel 2:21
“He removeth kings, and setteth up kings…”
Do not fear Babylon more than God.
Daniel 4:37
“Those that walk in pride he is able to abase.”
Humble yourself before God humbles you.
Daniel 5:27
“Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.”
Without Christ, every soul is found wanting.
Daniel 7:14
“His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”
Build your life on the kingdom that remains.
Daniel 9:26
“Messiah be cut off, but not for himself…”
Come to the crucified Christ.
Daniel 12:2
“Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake…”
Live ready for the resurrection and judgment.
Daniel’s life began in exile, but he remained faithful.
He refused defilement at the king’s table.
He prayed when others panicked.
He interpreted dreams by the wisdom of God.
He stood before kings with humility and courage.
He saw proud rulers humbled.
He watched empires rise and fall.
He kept praying when prayer was outlawed.
He entered the lions’ den and came out alive.
He confessed the sins of his people.
He received visions of the kingdom, the Son of Man, Messiah cut off, resurrection, and the end of days.
Daniel teaches us how to live in Babylon.
But Daniel also points us to Jesus.
Jesus is the true faithful One.
Jesus is the stone cut without hands.
Jesus is the Son of Man who comes with the clouds of heaven.
Jesus is the Messiah cut off, but not for Himself.
Jesus is the King whose kingdom shall never be destroyed.
Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
So do not place your hope in earthly kingdoms.
Babylon falls.
Persia falls.
Greece falls.
Rome falls.
Every human kingdom falls.
But Christ’s kingdom stands forever.
Daniel 2:44
“The God of heaven [shall] set up a kingdom,
which shall never be destroyed…”
And:
Revelation 11:15
“The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord,
and of his Christ;
and he shall reign for ever and ever.”
The question is: are you in that kingdom?
Jesus said:
John 3:3
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Come to Christ.
Do not trust in your own righteousness. Daniel himself prayed:
Daniel 9:18
“We do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses,
but for thy great mercies.”
Come by mercy.
Come through the blood of Jesus.
Come to the Messiah who was cut off for sinners.
Come to the Son of Man whose kingdom never ends.
Come to the One who rose from the dead and will raise His people at the last day.
And if you already belong to Christ, live like Daniel.
Purpose in your heart.
Pray without shame.
Stand without bowing to idols.
Serve with excellence.
Speak truth before power.
Confess sin.
Trust God in the den.
Look for the kingdom that cannot be destroyed.
Father, we thank You for the life of Daniel.
We thank You for his faithfulness in Babylon.
We thank You that he purposed in his heart not to defile himself.
We thank You that he prayed when threatened.
We thank You that he stood before kings with wisdom, humility, and courage.
We thank You that You shut the mouths of lions.
We thank You that You revealed through Daniel the rise and fall of kingdoms, the coming of the Son of Man, Messiah cut off, and the resurrection at the end of days.
Lord, make us faithful like Daniel.
Help us live in this world without being defiled by this world.
Help us pray before the crisis.
Help us refuse idols.
Help us serve with an excellent spirit.
Help us speak truth with humility.
Help us trust You in the furnace and in the lions’ den.
Most of all, we thank You for Jesus Christ.
Thank You that He is the Son of Man.
Thank You that His kingdom shall never be destroyed.
Thank You that He is the Messiah who was cut off, but not for Himself.
Thank You that He died for our sins and rose again.
Thank You that resurrection and everlasting life are found in Him.
May we be found in Christ, faithful until the end.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Each sermon length: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main theme: God is supreme, eternal, self-existent, holy, wise, Creator, Sustainer, Judge, Redeemer, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost — the one true living God revealed fully in Jesus Christ.
Main Scriptures: Exodus 3, Isaiah 40–46, Psalm 90, Acts 17, Revelation 1
Main theme: God is not created, not dependent, not limited, and not one among many. He is the eternal “I AM,” the supreme Lord over all.
The Christian faith does not begin with man searching inside himself and inventing God.
The Christian faith begins with God revealing Himself.
God speaks.
God acts.
God creates.
God judges.
God saves.
God makes Himself known.
When Moses stood before the burning bush, he was not looking for a new religion. He was a shepherd in the wilderness. But the living God appeared to him.
Exodus 3:2–6
“And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush:
and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.
And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush,
and said, Moses, Moses.
And he said, Here am I.
And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet,
for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.
Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac,
and the God of Jacob.
And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.”
Moses hid his face because he was standing before the holy God.
Then Moses asked God His name.
Exodus 3:13–14
“And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel,
and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you;
and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM:
and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel,
I AM hath sent me unto you.”
God says, “I AM THAT I AM.”
Not “I was only.”
Not “I may become.”
Not “I depend.”
Not “I was made.”
Not “I need.”
Not “I am one god among many.”
He is I AM.
He is self-existent.
He is eternal.
He is independent.
He is uncreated.
He is life in Himself.
He is the source of all being.
He is the God who simply is.
Everything else depends on Him.
He depends on nothing.
The Bible begins with God already there.
Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”
Before the beginning, God was.
Before time, God was.
Before matter, God was.
Before angels, God was.
Before man, God was.
Before mountains, seas, stars, and galaxies, God was.
Moses says:
Psalm 90:1–2
“Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world,
even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.”
From everlasting to everlasting, He is God.
God has no birthday.
God has no beginning.
God has no ending.
God is not aging.
God is not weakening.
God is not declining.
He is eternal.
Isaiah says:
Isaiah 40:28
“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard,
that the everlasting God, the LORD,
the Creator of the ends of the earth,
fainteth not, neither is weary?
there is no searching of his understanding.”
The everlasting God does not faint.
He is not weary.
His understanding cannot be searched out fully.
The book of Revelation says:
Revelation 1:8
“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord,
which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”
God is not trapped in time like we are.
We say, “I was, I am, I will be.”
God says, “I AM.”
He is the One “which is, and which was, and which is to come.”
Because God is “I AM,” He does not depend on anyone or anything.
Paul preached this in Athens.
Acts 17:24–25
“God that made the world and all things therein,
seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth,
dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing,
seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things.”
God does not need anything.
He does not need food.
He does not need oxygen.
He does not need sleep.
He does not need advice.
He does not need worship to become God.
He does not need man to complete Him.
He gives to all life and breath and all things.
That means every breath you take is borrowed from God.
Daniel said to Belshazzar:
Daniel 5:23
“And the God in whose hand thy breath is,
and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified.”
Your breath is in God’s hand.
Every heartbeat is mercy.
Every morning is mercy.
Every meal is mercy.
Every moment is mercy.
God needs nothing from us, but we need everything from Him.
Job 12:10
“In whose hand is the soul of every living thing,
and the breath of all mankind.”
This should humble man.
We are not self-made.
We are not self-sustained.
We are not self-ruling.
We are creatures.
God is the Creator.
The Bible is clear: there is one true living God.
Deuteronomy 6:4
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.”
God says through Isaiah:
Isaiah 43:10–11
“Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD,
and my servant whom I have chosen:
that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he:
before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.”
There was no God before Him.
There will be no God after Him.
Beside Him there is no Saviour.
Again:
Isaiah 44:6
“Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel,
and his redeemer the LORD of hosts;
I am the first, and I am the last;
and beside me there is no God.”
And:
Isaiah 45:5–6
“I am the LORD, and there is none else,
there is no God beside me:
I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west,
that there is none beside me.
I am the LORD, and there is none else.”
This destroys idolatry.
There are not many true gods.
There are not many final saviours.
There are not many creators.
There are not many almighty ones.
There is one God.
Paul says:
1 Corinthians 8:4–6
“We know that an idol is nothing in the world,
and that there is none other God but one.
For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth,
as there be gods many, and lords many,
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him;
and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.”
The Christian faith is not idolatry. It is worship of the one true God, revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
God is not a tribal deity. He is not the God of one hill, one city, or one nation only.
He rules all nations.
Psalm 22:28
“For the kingdom is the LORD'S:
and he is the governor among the nations.”
Daniel said:
Daniel 2:20–21
“Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever:
for wisdom and might are his:
And he changeth the times and the seasons:
he removeth kings, and setteth up kings:
he giveth wisdom unto the wise,
and knowledge to them that know understanding.”
God removes kings.
God sets up kings.
God changes times and seasons.
Nebuchadnezzar learned this the hard way.
Daniel 4:34–35
“And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven,
and mine understanding returned unto me,
and I blessed the most High,
and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever,
whose dominion is an everlasting dominion,
and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing:
and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven,
and among the inhabitants of the earth:
and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?”
None can stay His hand.
No king can stop God.
No empire can overthrow God.
No demon can defeat God.
No man can judge God.
No court can overrule God.
No army can surround God.
No scientist can explain God away.
No philosopher can reduce God.
No idol can rival God.
He is supreme.
At the burning bush, God told Moses:
Exodus 3:5
“Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet,
for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.”
God’s presence made the ground holy.
Isaiah saw the Lord.
Isaiah 6:1–5
“In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne,
high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
Above it stood the seraphims…
And one cried unto another, and said,
Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts:
the whole earth is full of his glory.
And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried,
and the house was filled with smoke.
Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone;
because I am a man of unclean lips…”
The angels do not cry, “Nice, nice, nice.”
They do not cry, “Useful, useful, useful.”
They cry:
Holy, holy, holy.
God is morally pure.
God is separate from sin.
God is high above creation.
God is glorious in holiness.
Moses sang:
Exodus 15:11
“Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods?
who is like thee, glorious in holiness,
fearful in praises, doing wonders?”
God is glorious in holiness.
Revelation gives the same heavenly cry:
Revelation 4:8
“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty,
which was, and is, and is to come.”
The eternal “I AM” is holy.
That means we do not approach God casually, proudly, or carelessly.
Hebrews 12:28–29
“Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved,
let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
For our God is a consuming fire.”
God is love, but God is not tame.
God is merciful, but God is not morally soft.
God is near to the humble, but He is still holy.
The Bible mocks idols because idols are dead.
Psalm 115:3–8
“But our God is in the heavens:
he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
They have mouths, but they speak not:
eyes have they, but they see not:
They have ears, but they hear not:
noses have they, but they smell not:
They have hands, but they handle not:
feet have they, but they walk not:
neither speak they through their throat.
They that make them are like unto them;
so is every one that trusteth in them.”
Idols cannot speak.
Idols cannot see.
Idols cannot hear.
Idols cannot save.
But God is living.
Jeremiah 10:10
“But the LORD is the true God,
he is the living God, and an everlasting king:
at his wrath the earth shall tremble,
and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.”
Peter confessed Jesus with this truth:
Matthew 16:16
“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
The God of the Bible is not an idea.
He is not a statue.
He is not a force.
He is not a myth.
He is the living God.
In John’s Gospel, Jesus uses language that points back to the divine name.
Jesus said:
John 8:56–58
“Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day:
and he saw it, and was glad.
Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old,
and hast thou seen Abraham?
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you,
Before Abraham was, I am.”
Before Abraham was, I am.
Jesus did not say, “Before Abraham was, I was.”
He said, “I am.”
The people understood the claim, because they took up stones.
John 8:59
“Then took they up stones to cast at him…”
Jesus is not merely a teacher. He is God the Son.
John begins:
John 1:1–3
“In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him;
and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
And:
John 1:14
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,
and we beheld his glory,
the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,
full of grace and truth.”
The eternal God reveals Himself in Jesus Christ.
Colossians 2:9
“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”
The “I AM” of Exodus is revealed in the face of Jesus Christ.
The God of the Bible is not small.
He is eternal.
He is self-existent.
He is holy.
He is supreme.
He is living.
He is Creator.
He is Lord of nations.
He is the One true God.
He is the God who revealed Himself as “I AM.”
And this God has made Himself known in Jesus Christ.
Therefore, the right response is worship, fear, trust, repentance, and surrender.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God:
I will be exalted among the heathen,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Be still.
Stop arguing with God.
Stop trying to reduce God.
Stop worshipping idols.
Stop pretending man is supreme.
Stop trusting in yourself.
Know that He is God.
Revelation 4:11
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power:
for thou hast created all things,
and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”
The Great I AM is worthy.
Father, we worship You as the eternal I AM.
You are before all things.
You need nothing.
You give life and breath to all.
You are holy, sovereign, living, and true.
You remove kings and set up kings.
You rule heaven and earth.
Forgive us for making You small in our minds.
Forgive us for trusting idols.
Forgive us for pride, unbelief, and careless worship.
Teach us to fear You rightly.
Teach us to love You deeply.
Teach us to worship You in spirit and in truth.
Thank You for revealing Yourself in Jesus Christ, the eternal Word made flesh.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Main Scriptures: Genesis 1–2, Psalm 19, Psalm 104, Job 38–39, John 1, Colossians 1, Hebrews 1
Main theme: God created all things by His word, formed man in His image, sustains creation by His power, and reveals His wisdom through all He has made.
The God of the Bible is not merely a thinker, a watcher, or a distant force.
He is the Creator.
The Bible begins:
Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”
This is the foundation of everything.
If God created all things, then all things belong to Him.
If God created man, then man is accountable to Him.
If God created time, then history belongs to Him.
If God created life, then life is sacred.
If God created the heavens, then the heavens declare His glory.
Creation is not an accident.
Creation is not meaningless.
Creation is not self-born.
Creation is the work of God.
Psalm 24:1–2
“The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof;
the world, and they that dwell therein.
For he hath founded it upon the seas,
and established it upon the floods.”
The earth is the Lord’s.
That means we are not owners in the ultimate sense. We are stewards.
Genesis 1 repeatedly says:
Genesis 1:3
“And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.”
God said, and it was.
He did not struggle.
He did not need tools.
He did not need permission.
He spoke.
Psalm 33:6–9
“By the word of the LORD were the heavens made;
and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap:
he layeth up the depth in storehouses.
Let all the earth fear the LORD:
let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
For he spake, and it was done;
he commanded, and it stood fast.”
He spake, and it was done.
That is power.
Human words can describe reality.
God’s word creates reality.
God said, “Let there be light,” and light obeyed.
The same God still rules by His word.
Hebrews 11:3
“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God,
so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”
The universe is word-framed.
And Jesus Christ is central to creation.
John 1:1–3
“In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him;
and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
All things were made by Him.
Jesus is not a created being. He is the eternal Word through whom all things were made.
Paul says:
Colossians 1:16–17
“For by him were all things created,
that are in heaven, and that are in earth,
visible and invisible,
whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:
all things were created by him, and for him:
And he is before all things,
and by him all things consist.”
All things were created by Him and for Him.
That means creation is Christ-centred.
The heavens preach.
Psalm 19:1–4
“The heavens declare the glory of God;
and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
Day unto day uttereth speech,
and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
There is no speech nor language,
where their voice is not heard.
Their line is gone out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.”
The sky is a sermon.
The stars preach the glory of God.
The sun declares His power.
The moon reflects His order.
The seasons testify to His faithfulness.
The oceans speak of His vastness.
The mountains speak of His strength.
The flowers speak of His beauty.
The human body speaks of His design.
Creation does not save us, but it leaves mankind without excuse.
Romans 1:20
“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen,
being understood by the things that are made,
even his eternal power and Godhead;
so that they are without excuse.”
Creation shows God’s eternal power and Godhead.
Man may suppress the truth.
Man may worship creation instead of the Creator.
Man may explain away what he sees.
But creation testifies.
Romans 1:25
“Who changed the truth of God into a lie,
and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator,
who is blessed for ever. Amen.”
That is idolatry: worshipping the creature more than the Creator.
The answer is to return to worship of the Maker.
Nehemiah 9:6
“Thou, even thou, art LORD alone;
thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host,
the earth, and all things that are therein,
the seas, and all that is therein,
and thou preservest them all;
and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.”
He made all.
He preserves all.
He is worshipped by heaven.
Genesis shows order.
Light and darkness.
Heaven and earth.
Sea and dry land.
Sun, moon, and stars.
Plants, animals, birds, fish, man and woman.
God’s creation is not chaos. It has order.
Genesis 1:31
“And God saw every thing that he had made,
and, behold, it was very good.
And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”
Very good.
Creation was good because God is good.
The beauty of creation reflects the beauty of its Maker.
Psalm 104 praises God’s creative wisdom.
Psalm 104:24
“O LORD, how manifold are thy works!
in wisdom hast thou made them all:
the earth is full of thy riches.”
In wisdom He made them all.
God is not only powerful. He is wise.
Job was questioned by God concerning creation.
Job 38:4–7
“Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?
declare, if thou hast understanding.
Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest?
or who hath stretched the line upon it?
Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened?
or who laid the corner stone thereof;
When the morning stars sang together,
and all the sons of God shouted for joy?”
God speaks as the architect and builder of creation.
He laid foundations.
He set measures.
He stretched the line.
He established order.
Then God asks:
Job 38:31–33
“Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades,
or loose the bands of Orion?
Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season?
or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?
Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven?
canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?”
Man cannot govern the stars.
God can.
The highest earthly creature God made was man.
Genesis 1:26–27
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:
and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea,
and over the fowl of the air,
and over the cattle,
and over all the earth,
and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God created he him;
male and female created he them.”
Man is made in the image of God.
That gives human life dignity.
Human worth does not come from wealth, race, intelligence, age, strength, beauty, or social status. Human worth comes from being made in the image of God.
The unborn child has dignity.
The elderly have dignity.
The disabled have dignity.
The poor have dignity.
The stranger has dignity.
The prisoner has dignity.
Every human being bears the image of God.
Genesis 2 says:
Genesis 2:7
“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground,
and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life;
and man became a living soul.”
Man is dust, yet breathed into by God.
That should humble us and honour life.
We are dust.
We are also living souls made by God.
David says:
Psalm 139:13–16
“For thou hast possessed my reins:
thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:
marvellous are thy works;
and that my soul knoweth right well.
My substance was not hid from thee,
when I was made in secret,
and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect;
and in thy book all my members were written,
which in continuance were fashioned,
when as yet there was none of them.”
God is the Creator of life in the womb.
Therefore life is sacred.
God did not create the world and walk away.
He sustains it.
Colossians 1:17
“And he is before all things,
and by him all things consist.”
By Christ all things hold together.
Hebrews says of the Son:
Hebrews 1:3
“Who being the brightness of his glory,
and the express image of his person,
and upholding all things by the word of his power…”
Jesus upholds all things by the word of His power.
If God stopped sustaining creation, creation would collapse.
Paul told the Athenians:
Acts 17:28
“For in him we live, and move, and have our being…”
Every movement is dependent on God.
The birds depend on God.
Matthew 6:26
“Behold the fowls of the air:
for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns;
yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.
Are ye not much better than they?”
The flowers depend on God.
Matthew 6:28–30
“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow;
they toil not, neither do they spin:
And yet I say unto you,
That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field…
shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?”
God feeds birds.
God clothes grass.
God sustains all life.
Psalm 145 says:
Psalm 145:15–16
“The eyes of all wait upon thee;
and thou givest them their meat in due season.
Thou openest thine hand,
and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.”
God opens His hand, and creatures live.
God’s creation is not only massive. It is detailed.
Jesus said:
Matthew 10:29–31
“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing?
and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
God knows sparrows.
God numbers hairs.
God cares for details.
That means God is not only the God of galaxies. He is the God of small things.
He sees tears.
He hears prayers.
He knows names.
He counts hairs.
He remembers widows.
He sees children.
He notices the poor.
He knows the faithful servant hidden from the world.
Hagar said:
Genesis 16:13
“Thou God seest me…”
The Creator sees.
Genesis 1 says creation was very good. But Genesis 3 shows sin entering the world.
Because Adam sinned, death entered.
Romans 5:12
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world,
and death by sin;
and so death passed upon all men,
for that all have sinned.”
Creation now groans.
Romans 8:20–22
“For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly,
but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption
into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.”
Creation groans because of sin.
Disease, death, decay, disaster, violence, thorns, sweat, and sorrow are not part of the original goodness. They are connected to the fall.
But God promised redemption.
The first promise of the gospel comes in Genesis 3.
Genesis 3:15
“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman,
and between thy seed and her seed;
it shall bruise thy head,
and thou shalt bruise his heel.”
The seed of the woman would crush the serpent.
That points to Jesus Christ.
1 John 3:8
“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested,
that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
The Creator became Redeemer.
The God who created light out of darkness creates new spiritual life in sinners.
Paul says:
2 Corinthians 4:6
“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness,
hath shined in our hearts,
to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ.”
The same God who said, “Let there be light,” shines into dark hearts.
Salvation is new creation.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new.”
Jesus told Nicodemus:
John 3:3
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
New birth is God’s work.
John 1:12–13
“But as many as received him,
to them gave he power to become the sons of God,
even to them that believe on his name:
Which were born, not of blood,
nor of the will of the flesh,
nor of the will of man,
but of God.”
Not of blood.
Not of flesh.
Not of man’s will.
Born of God.
The Creator creates again in salvation.
The Bible begins with creation and ends with new creation.
Revelation 21:1–5
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth:
for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away;
and there was no more sea.
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem,
coming down from God out of heaven,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying,
Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men,
and he will dwell with them,
and they shall be his people,
and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
and there shall be no more death,
neither sorrow, nor crying,
neither shall there be any more pain:
for the former things are passed away.
And he that sat upon the throne said,
Behold, I make all things new.”
God will make all things new.
No more death.
No more sorrow.
No more crying.
No more pain.
The Creator will restore creation.
The Redeemer will complete redemption.
The God of the Bible is the Creator.
He created by His word.
He formed man in His image.
He filled the heavens with glory.
He sustains all things.
He cares for sparrows and souls.
He gives life and breath.
He creates new life in Christ.
He will make all things new.
Therefore, worship Him.
Psalm 95:6–7
“O come, let us worship and bow down:
let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
For he is our God;
and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand.”
The Creator is not only powerful. He is our Shepherd.
Come to Him through Jesus Christ.
Father, we worship You as Creator.
You made the heavens and the earth.
You spoke light into darkness.
You formed man from dust and breathed life into him.
You sustain all things by Your power.
You care for every creature.
You know every hair on our heads.
Forgive us for worshipping creation more than the Creator.
Forgive us for treating life as cheap.
Forgive us for forgetting that we belong to You.
Thank You for Jesus Christ, through whom all things were made and by whom all things consist.
Thank You that in Christ we become new creatures.
Thank You that one day You will make all things new.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Main Scriptures: Exodus 34, Psalm 103, Isaiah 6, Micah 7, Romans 3, 1 John 4
Main theme: God’s character is perfect. He is holy and just, merciful and gracious, loving and faithful, patient and true. At the cross, His justice and mercy meet.
Many people speak about God, but not all speak truthfully.
Some imagine a God who is only love but never judges.
Some imagine a God who is only judgment but never shows mercy.
Some imagine a God who is distant and cold.
Some imagine a God who is like man, only bigger.
Some imagine a God who changes with culture.
Some imagine a God who does not care about holiness.
But the God of the Bible reveals His own character.
We do not define God.
God reveals Himself.
At Mount Sinai, Moses asked to see God’s glory.
Exodus 33:18
“And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.”
God answered by proclaiming His name and character.
Exodus 34:5–7
“And the LORD descended in the cloud,
and stood with him there,
and proclaimed the name of the LORD.
And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed,
The LORD, The LORD God,
merciful and gracious,
longsuffering,
and abundant in goodness and truth,
Keeping mercy for thousands,
forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin,
and that will by no means clear the guilty…”
This is one of the greatest revelations of God’s character in Scripture.
God is merciful.
God is gracious.
God is longsuffering.
God is abundant in goodness and truth.
God forgives sin.
God does not clear the guilty without justice.
Mercy and justice are both in God.
The cross of Jesus Christ is where we see this most clearly.
God says:
Leviticus 19:2
“Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.”
Holiness is not one small attribute of God. It is the beauty of all He is.
God’s love is holy love.
God’s mercy is holy mercy.
God’s wrath is holy wrath.
God’s wisdom is holy wisdom.
God’s power is holy power.
Isaiah saw the Lord and heard:
Isaiah 6:3
“Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts:
the whole earth is full of his glory.”
God is separate from sin.
Habakkuk 1:13
“Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil,
and canst not look on iniquity…”
This does not mean God cannot see evil in the sense of knowledge. It means He cannot look on evil with approval.
God never approves sin.
Man excuses sin.
God exposes sin.
Man renames sin.
God judges sin.
Man hides sin.
God sees sin.
Hebrews 4:13
“Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight:
but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”
This should produce reverence.
1 Peter 1:15–16
“But as he which hath called you is holy,
so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
God’s holiness calls His people to holiness.
God always does what is right.
Deuteronomy 32:4
“He is the Rock, his work is perfect:
for all his ways are judgment:
a God of truth and without iniquity,
just and right is he.”
Abraham said:
Genesis 18:25
“Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”
Yes. The Judge of all the earth always does right.
God’s throne is built on righteousness and justice.
Psalm 89:14
“Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne:
mercy and truth shall go before thy face.”
Because God is just, He does not ignore evil.
Nahum 1:3
“The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power,
and will not at all acquit the wicked…”
This is why sin is serious.
God’s love does not cancel His justice.
God’s mercy does not deny His righteousness.
God’s forgiveness does not pretend sin does not matter.
Paul says:
Romans 1:18
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven
against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men,
who hold the truth in unrighteousness.”
The wrath of God is not sinful rage. It is His holy opposition to evil.
Because God is good, He must oppose evil.
A judge who never judges wickedness is not good.
A God who does not judge evil would not be holy.
But God is holy, righteous, and just.
The same God who is holy and just is also merciful and gracious.
Psalm 103:8–12
“The LORD is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
He will not always chide:
neither will he keep his anger for ever.
He hath not dealt with us after our sins;
nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as the heaven is high above the earth,
so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”
God has not dealt with us according to our sins.
That is mercy.
If God dealt with us only according to what we deserved, who could stand?
Psalm 130:3–4
“If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities,
O Lord, who shall stand?
But there is forgiveness with thee,
that thou mayest be feared.”
There is forgiveness with God.
Micah says:
Micah 7:18–19
“Who is a God like unto thee,
that pardoneth iniquity,
and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage?
he retaineth not his anger for ever,
because he delighteth in mercy.
He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us;
he will subdue our iniquities;
and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.”
God delights in mercy.
That does not mean God is careless about sin. It means His heart is rich in compassion toward repentant sinners.
Isaiah 55:6–7
“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found,
call ye upon him while he is near:
Let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts:
and let him return unto the LORD,
and he will have mercy upon him;
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”
God abundantly pardons.
John says:
1 John 4:8
“He that loveth not knoweth not God;
for God is love.”
And:
1 John 4:9–10
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us,
because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world,
that we might live through him.
Herein is love,
not that we loved God,
but that he loved us,
and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
God’s love is not defined by human emotion. God’s love is revealed in sending His Son.
Love is seen at the cross.
Romans 5:8
“But God commendeth his love toward us,
in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
While we were sinners, Christ died for us.
This is not weak love.
This is sacrificial love.
This is holy love.
This is redeeming love.
Jesus said:
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,
but have everlasting life.”
God loved, so God gave.
The gift is His Son.
The purpose is eternal life.
The warning is perishing.
The call is believing.
God is not quick-tempered like man.
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise,
as some men count slackness;
but is longsuffering to us-ward,
not willing that any should perish,
but that all should come to repentance.”
God’s patience is meant to lead sinners to repentance.
Paul says:
Romans 2:4
“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering;
not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”
Do not mistake patience for permission.
The fact that judgment has not yet fallen does not mean judgment will never come.
God waited in the days of Noah.
1 Peter 3:20
“When once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah,
while the ark was a preparing…”
But judgment came.
God’s longsuffering is mercy, but it must not be despised.
Today is the day to repent.
2 Corinthians 6:2
“Behold, now is the accepted time;
behold, now is the day of salvation.”
God does not lie.
Numbers 23:19
“God is not a man, that he should lie;
neither the son of man, that he should repent:
hath he said, and shall he not do it?
or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”
God keeps His promises.
Lamentations 3:22–23
“It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed,
because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning:
great is thy faithfulness.”
Great is His faithfulness.
Even when we are weak, God remains faithful.
2 Timothy 2:13
“If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful:
he cannot deny himself.”
God cannot deny Himself.
He cannot become untrue.
He cannot become unjust.
He cannot become unholy.
He cannot become unfaithful.
James says:
James 1:17
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,
and cometh down from the Father of lights,
with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
No variableness.
No shadow of turning.
God does not change.
Malachi 3:6
“For I am the LORD, I change not…”
This is terrifying for the unrepentant, because His judgment is sure.
But it is comforting for believers, because His promises are sure.
God’s wisdom is infinite.
Romans 11:33–36
“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
how unsearchable are his judgments,
and his ways past finding out!
For who hath known the mind of the Lord?
or who hath been his counsellor?
Or who hath first given to him,
and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things:
to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”
No one is God’s counsellor.
God never learns.
God never discovers.
God never says, “I did not see that coming.”
God never needs advice.
His wisdom is unsearchable.
Isaiah 55:8–9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
This matters when we suffer.
Job did not understand all God was doing. But God was wise.
Joseph did not understand the pit, slavery, false accusation, and prison. But God was wise.
Joseph later said:
Genesis 50:20
“But as for you, ye thought evil against me;
but God meant it unto good,
to bring to pass, as it is this day,
to save much people alive.”
God’s wisdom can use even what men intend for evil.
The greatest example is the cross.
Men crucified Jesus wickedly, but God used the cross for salvation.
Acts 2:23–24
“Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God,
ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Whom God hath raised up…”
Man’s wickedness.
God’s counsel.
Christ’s victory.
That is divine wisdom.
How can God forgive sinners and remain just?
The answer is the cross.
Paul says:
Romans 3:23–26
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood,
to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past,
through the forbearance of God;
To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness:
that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”
God is just and the justifier.
He does not ignore sin.
He judges sin in Christ.
He does not deny mercy.
He gives mercy through Christ.
At the cross:
Justice is satisfied.
Mercy is given.
Sin is judged.
The sinner is forgiven.
God’s holiness is displayed.
God’s love is displayed.
Psalm 85 says:
Psalm 85:10
“Mercy and truth are met together;
righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”
That is fulfilled at Calvary.
Jesus bore our sins.
1 Peter 2:24
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree,
that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness:
by whose stripes ye were healed.”
God’s character is not divided.
At the cross we see one glorious God: holy, just, loving, merciful, wise, and true.
The God of the Bible is holy.
The God of the Bible is righteous.
The God of the Bible is merciful.
The God of the Bible is love.
The God of the Bible is patient.
The God of the Bible is faithful.
The God of the Bible is wise.
The God of the Bible is true.
Do not invent a god that looks like your preferences.
Come to the God who has revealed Himself.
Come to Him through Jesus Christ.
John 14:6
“Jesus saith unto him,
I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
The holy God can be approached only through the Son.
Father, we thank You for revealing Your character.
You are holy, righteous, merciful, gracious, longsuffering, abundant in goodness and truth.
You forgive sin, yet You do not clear guilt without justice.
You are love.
You are faithful.
You are wise.
Thank You for the cross of Jesus Christ, where justice and mercy meet.
Thank You that Jesus bore our sins in His body on the tree.
Thank You that You are just and the justifier of those who believe in Jesus.
Teach us to know You truly.
Teach us to worship You rightly.
Teach us to repent deeply.
Teach us to trust Your mercy and fear Your holiness.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Main Scriptures: John 1, John 6–15, Colossians 1, Hebrews 1, Matthew 28, Revelation 21–22
Main theme: The God of the Christian Bible is fully revealed in Jesus Christ. The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are one God. Jesus is the great “I AM,” the Redeemer, the image of the invisible God, and the King whose kingdom shall never end.
The God of the Bible is not silent.
He spoke through creation.
He spoke through prophets.
He spoke through Moses.
He spoke through the Scriptures.
But finally and fully, He has spoken in His Son.
Hebrews 1:1–3
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son,
whom he hath appointed heir of all things,
by whom also he made the worlds;
Who being the brightness of his glory,
and the express image of his person,
and upholding all things by the word of his power,
when he had by himself purged our sins,
sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
Jesus is the brightness of God’s glory.
Jesus is the express image of His person.
Jesus made the worlds.
Jesus upholds all things.
Jesus purged our sins.
Jesus sat down at the right hand of Majesty.
If you want to know what God is like, look to Jesus Christ.
John 1:18
“No man hath seen God at any time;
the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father,
he hath declared him.”
Jesus declares the Father.
The Christian Bible teaches there is one God.
Deuteronomy 6:4
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.”
Yet Scripture reveals the Father as God, the Son as God, and the Holy Ghost as God.
The Father is God.
1 Corinthians 8:6
“But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him…”
The Son is God.
John 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.”
John 20:28
“And Thomas answered and said unto him,
My Lord and my God.”
The Holy Ghost is God.
When Ananias lied, Peter said:
Acts 5:3–4
“Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost…?
thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.”
Jesus commands baptism in one name, yet three Persons.
Matthew 28:19
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost.”
Paul blesses the church this way:
2 Corinthians 13:14
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Ghost,
be with you all. Amen.”
One God.
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
This is not three gods.
This is not one Person wearing three masks.
This is the one true God revealed in Scripture: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Paul says:
Colossians 1:15–20
“Who is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of every creature:
For by him were all things created,
that are in heaven, and that are in earth,
visible and invisible,
whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:
all things were created by him, and for him:
And he is before all things,
and by him all things consist.
And he is the head of the body, the church:
who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead;
that in all things he might have the preeminence.
For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross,
by him to reconcile all things unto himself…”
Jesus is the image of the invisible God.
All things were created by Him and for Him.
He is before all things.
By Him all things consist.
He is Head of the church.
In all things He must have preeminence.
Peace is made through the blood of His cross.
Jesus said to Philip:
John 14:8–9
“Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?
he that hath seen me hath seen the Father…”
To see Jesus is to see the Father revealed.
Not because the Father and Son are the same Person, but because the Son perfectly reveals the Father.
Jesus said:
John 8:58
“Verily, verily, I say unto you,
Before Abraham was, I am.”
Jesus identifies Himself with the eternal divine reality.
In the garden, when they came to arrest Him, He said, “I am he.” The word “he” is supplied in English.
John 18:4–6
“Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him,
went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?
They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth.
Jesus saith unto them, I am he…
As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he,
they went backward, and fell to the ground.”
At His word, they fell backward.
The One being arrested is still the great I AM.
He is not a helpless victim.
He willingly lays down His life.
John 10:17–18
“Therefore doth my Father love me,
because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
No man taketh it from me,
but I lay it down of myself.
I have power to lay it down,
and I have power to take it again.”
John 6:35
“And Jesus said unto them,
I am the bread of life:
he that cometh to me shall never hunger;
and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”
Man’s deepest hunger is not physical.
Man hungers for life, forgiveness, meaning, righteousness, peace, and God.
Jesus is the bread of life.
Israel ate manna in the wilderness, but still died.
Jesus says:
John 6:48–51
“I am that bread of life.
Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
This is the bread which cometh down from heaven,
that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
I am the living bread which came down from heaven:
if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever:
and the bread that I will give is my flesh,
which I will give for the life of the world.”
Jesus gives His flesh for the life of the world.
Only Christ satisfies the soul.
John 8:12
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying,
I am the light of the world:
he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,
but shall have the light of life.”
The world is in darkness because of sin.
Darkness of unbelief.
Darkness of idolatry.
Darkness of confusion.
Darkness of death.
Darkness of Satan’s kingdom.
Jesus is the light.
John says:
John 1:4–5
“In him was life;
and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness;
and the darkness comprehended it not.”
If you follow Christ, you do not walk in darkness.
1 John 1:5–7
“God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness,
we lie, and do not the truth:
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light,
we have fellowship one with another,
and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
Jesus brings light and cleansing.
John 10:9
“I am the door:
by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved,
and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”
There is one door into salvation: Jesus Christ.
Not religion.
Not self-righteousness.
Not church tradition.
Not good works.
Not family background.
Not human morality.
Jesus.
He says:
“By me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.”
Peter preached:
Acts 4:12
“Neither is there salvation in any other:
for there is none other name under heaven given among men,
whereby we must be saved.”
Jesus is the door.
John 10:11
“I am the good shepherd:
the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
The good Shepherd does not merely guide. He dies.
Jesus says:
John 10:14–15
“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father:
and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
The sheep are safe because the Shepherd gives His life.
Psalm 23 says:
Psalm 23:1
“The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.”
Jesus is the LORD Shepherd in flesh.
Peter says:
1 Peter 2:25
“For ye were as sheep going astray;
but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”
Jesus is the Shepherd of souls.
When Lazarus died, Jesus said to Martha:
John 11:25–26
“I am the resurrection, and the life:
he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
Believest thou this?”
Jesus does not merely teach resurrection.
He is the resurrection.
Death is not stronger than Christ.
Jesus then cried:
John 11:43–44
“Lazarus, come forth.
And he that was dead came forth…”
The dead obeyed His voice.
One day all graves will hear His voice.
John 5:28–29
“Marvel not at this:
for the hour is coming,
in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
And shall come forth…”
Jesus is resurrection life.
John 14:6
“Jesus saith unto him,
I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
This is exclusive and merciful.
Exclusive because no one comes to the Father except through Jesus.
Merciful because there is a way.
Jesus is the way to God.
Jesus is the truth about God.
Jesus is the life from God.
Man does not need to invent a ladder to heaven.
Jesus is the way.
1 Timothy 2:5
“For there is one God,
and one mediator between God and men,
the man Christ Jesus.”
One Mediator.
John 15:1–5
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away:
and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it,
that it may bring forth more fruit.
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Abide in me, and I in you.
As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine;
no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
I am the vine, ye are the branches:
He that abideth in me, and I in him,
the same bringeth forth much fruit:
for without me ye can do nothing.”
Without Jesus, we can do nothing.
Not little.
Nothing.
Christ is the source of spiritual life and fruit.
The Christian life is not merely trying harder. It is abiding in Christ.
At the cross we see God’s holiness, justice, love, mercy, wisdom, and power.
Jesus bore sin.
Isaiah 53:5–6
“But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him;
and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned every one to his own way;
and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
God laid our iniquity on Christ.
Paul says:
2 Corinthians 5:19–21
“God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself,
not imputing their trespasses unto them…
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
At the cross, the sinless One stands in the place of sinners.
1 Peter 3:18
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins,
the just for the unjust,
that he might bring us to God…”
The purpose is to bring us to God.
The I AM came down to bring sinners home.
Jesus promised the Holy Ghost.
John 14:16–17
“And I will pray the Father,
and he shall give you another Comforter,
that he may abide with you for ever;
Even the Spirit of truth;
whom the world cannot receive,
because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him:
but ye know him;
for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”
The Holy Ghost indwells believers.
Jesus said:
John 16:13–14
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come,
he will guide you into all truth:
for he shall not speak of himself;
but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak:
and he will shew you things to come.
He shall glorify me:
for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”
The Holy Ghost glorifies Christ.
He convicts of sin.
He gives new birth.
He indwells believers.
He guides into truth.
He empowers witness.
He produces fruit.
Galatians 5:22–23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
The Christian life is life in the Spirit.
Jesus died, rose again, ascended, and will return.
Philippians 2:8–11
“And being found in fashion as a man,
he humbled himself,
and became obedient unto death,
even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,
and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.”
Every knee will bow.
Revelation shows Christ as King.
Revelation 19:11–16
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse;
and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True…
And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written,
KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Daniel saw this kingdom.
Daniel 7:13–14
“Behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven…
And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom,
that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him:
his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”
Jesus is the Son of Man whose kingdom will not pass away.
The end of the Bible is not merely souls floating somewhere. It is God dwelling with His redeemed people in new creation.
Revelation 21:3–4
“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying,
Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men,
and he will dwell with them,
and they shall be his people,
and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
and there shall be no more death,
neither sorrow, nor crying,
neither shall there be any more pain:
for the former things are passed away.”
God Himself shall be with them.
That is the final blessing: God with His people.
Revelation ends with the throne.
Revelation 22:1–5
“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal,
proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river,
was there the tree of life…
And there shall be no more curse:
but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it;
and his servants shall serve him:
And they shall see his face;
and his name shall be in their foreheads.
And there shall be no night there;
and they need no candle, neither light of the sun;
for the Lord God giveth them light:
and they shall reign for ever and ever.”
No more curse.
God and the Lamb.
His servants serve Him.
They see His face.
God gives them light.
They reign forever.
This is the end of the story: the I AM dwelling with His redeemed people forever.
The God of the Christian Bible is not distant from sinners.
He came near in Jesus Christ.
The eternal Word became flesh.
The Creator entered creation.
The Holy One ate with sinners.
The Judge bore judgment.
The Shepherd gave His life for the sheep.
The Bread came down from heaven.
The Light entered darkness.
The Door opened salvation.
The Resurrection conquered death.
The Way brings us to the Father.
The True Vine gives life to the branches.
The King is coming again.
So come to Him.
Jesus said:
John 6:37
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me;
and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”
Come to the I AM.
Come hungry — He is the Bread.
Come blind — He is the Light.
Come lost — He is the Door.
Come weak — He is the Vine.
Come dead in sin — He is the Resurrection and the Life.
Come far from God — He is the Way.
Come guilty — He is the Lamb.
Come thirsty — He gives living water.
Come now — He will not cast you out.
Revelation 22:17
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.
And let him that heareth say, Come.
And let him that is athirst come.
And whosoever will,
let him take the water of life freely.”
Father, we thank You that You have revealed Yourself in Jesus Christ.
We thank You for the eternal Word made flesh.
We thank You for the Son who shows us the Father.
We thank You for the Holy Ghost who glorifies Christ and gives life.
We thank You that Jesus is the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the Door, the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection and the Life, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and the True Vine.
Thank You for the cross.
Thank You for the blood of Jesus.
Thank You for the resurrection.
Thank You for the promise of His coming kingdom.
Thank You that one day there will be no more curse, no more death, no more sorrow, and no more pain.
Help us worship the Great I AM.
Help us abide in Christ.
Help us walk in the Spirit.
Help us live for the kingdom that will never end.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main Scriptures: Isaiah 58, Matthew 6, Matthew 9, Acts 13, Daniel 1, Daniel 10, Ezra 8, Esther 4, Jonah 3
Main theme: Biblical fasting is the voluntary humbling of the body and soul before God, usually by abstaining from food for a spiritual purpose, joined with prayer, repentance, worship, and obedience.
Fasting is one of the most misunderstood practices in the Christian life.
Some people ignore it completely.
Some people treat it like a religious performance.
Some people use it as a health trend only.
Some people think fasting gives them power over God.
Some people fast outwardly while refusing to repent inwardly.
But biblical fasting is not a hunger strike against heaven.
Fasting is not forcing God to do what we want.
Fasting is not punishing the body to earn righteousness.
Fasting is not showing people how spiritual we are.
Fasting is not a magic key that makes God obey man.
Biblical fasting is humbling ourselves before God.
It says, “Lord, I need You more than food.”
It says, “Lord, my body is hungry, but my soul is hungrier for You.”
It says, “Lord, I am serious in prayer.”
It says, “Lord, I am turning from sin.”
It says, “Lord, I am seeking Your mercy, guidance, deliverance, and presence.”
Jesus assumed His disciples would fast.
Matthew 6:16
“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance…”
Notice Jesus did not say, “If ye fast.”
He said, “When ye fast.”
But Jesus also warned that fasting can become hypocrisy if the heart is wrong.
So today we will ask:
What is fasting?
How should we fast?
What can we consume?
When should we fast?
What should we expect?
What are the dangers?
What are the biblical examples?
And how does fasting point us to Jesus Christ?
Biblical fasting normally means abstaining from food for a spiritual purpose.
Sometimes it is private.
Sometimes it is corporate.
Sometimes it is one day.
Sometimes three days.
Sometimes longer.
Sometimes it includes no food but water is not forbidden.
Sometimes, in exceptional cases, Scripture says no food and no water.
Sometimes it is a partial fast, avoiding pleasant food, meat, wine, or rich foods.
But the heart of fasting is this: the body is humbled so the soul may seek God.
David said:
Psalm 35:13
“But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth:
I humbled my soul with fasting;
and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.”
“I humbled my soul with fasting.”
Fasting is connected to humility.
Ezra said:
Ezra 8:21
“Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava,
that we might afflict ourselves before our God,
to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.”
Ezra fasted to afflict, or humble, themselves before God and seek the right way.
Fasting is not just not eating. A person can skip meals and never seek God. That is not biblical fasting. Biblical fasting is abstaining from food in order to seek God.
Fasting without prayer is just hunger.
Fasting without humility is just religious discipline.
Fasting without repentance can become hypocrisy.
Fasting without obedience is not pleasing to God.
The Lord says in Isaiah:
Isaiah 58:5–6
“Is it such a fast that I have chosen?
a day for a man to afflict his soul?
is it to bow down his head as a bulrush,
and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him?
wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?
Is not this the fast that I have chosen?
to loose the bands of wickedness,
to undo the heavy burdens,
and to let the oppressed go free,
and that ye break every yoke?”
God is not pleased with outward fasting while the heart remains wicked.
True fasting must be joined to repentance, mercy, justice, prayer, and obedience.
The Bible gives principles and examples rather than one single universal timetable for every believer.
Jesus said:
Matthew 6:16–18
“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance:
for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast.
Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret:
and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”
Jesus teaches us:
Do not fast for applause.
Do not look miserable to appear spiritual.
Do not perform fasting for religious reputation.
Fast before the Father.
“Anoint thine head, and wash thy face.”
In other words, do not advertise your fasting. Continue with normal appearance as much as possible. Let the fast be between you and God unless it is a proper corporate fast.
Fasting and prayer go together throughout Scripture.
Luke 2:36–37
“And there was one Anna, a prophetess…
which departed not from the temple,
but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.”
Anna served God with fastings and prayers.
The church at Antioch fasted and ministered to the Lord.
Acts 13:2–3
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted,
the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
They fasted and prayed before sending Barnabas and Saul.
Again:
Acts 14:23
“And when they had ordained them elders in every church,
and had prayed with fasting,
they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.”
Fasting is not empty self-denial. It is prayer intensified.
Daniel fasted and prayed with confession.
Daniel 9:3–5
“And I set my face unto the Lord God,
to seek by prayer and supplications,
with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said,
O Lord, the great and dreadful God,
keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him,
and to them that keep his commandments;
We have sinned, and have committed iniquity,
and have done wickedly, and have rebelled…”
Daniel did not fast proudly. He confessed sin.
If fasting makes us proud, we have missed the point.
The Pharisee in Jesus’ parable boasted:
Luke 18:11–12
“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself,
God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are…
I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.”
He fasted, but his heart was proud.
The publican prayed:
Luke 18:13
“God be merciful to me a sinner.”
Jesus said:
Luke 18:14
“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other…”
Better to pray one honest prayer of repentance than to fast with a proud heart.
Daniel’s fasting in Daniel 9 began because he understood Jeremiah’s prophecy.
Daniel 9:2
“I Daniel understood by books the number of the years,
whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet…”
Daniel read the Word, then prayed and fasted.
Fasting should not be separated from Scripture. While fasting, read the Word. Meditate on God’s promises. Let hunger remind you to pray.
Jesus said:
Matthew 4:4
“It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
Fasting says, “Bread is not my god. God’s Word is my life.”
The Bible gives several kinds of fasting.
The most common biblical fast is abstaining from food. Water is not always mentioned, but many biblical fasts say “eat no bread” or “did eat nothing,” not necessarily “drink nothing.”
When Jesus fasted forty days, Scripture says:
Luke 4:2
“Being forty days tempted of the devil.
And in those days he did eat nothing:
and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.”
It says He ate nothing. It does not say He drank nothing.
For most believers, a normal fast means no food for a set period, while still drinking water. This is the ordinary and safest understanding unless Scripture specifically says no water.
Daniel practiced a partial fast.
In Daniel 1, Daniel requested pulse and water.
Daniel 1:12
“Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days;
and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.”
“Pulse” refers to vegetables, legumes, or food grown from seed. Daniel avoided the king’s meat and wine.
Later, Daniel fasted again for three full weeks.
Daniel 10:2–3
“In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.
I ate no pleasant bread,
neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth,
neither did I anoint myself at all,
till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”
This was not a total fast from all food. It was a partial fast.
Daniel avoided:
Pleasant bread.
Flesh, or meat.
Wine.
Comfort and luxury.
A partial fast may include simple food and water, while avoiding rich foods, meat, sweets, wine, or pleasant things for a season.
Sometimes Scripture records fasting without food or water. These are serious and usually short, except in supernatural cases.
Esther called for a three-day fast.
Esther 4:16
“Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan,
and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day:
I also and my maidens will fast likewise;
and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law:
and if I perish, I perish.”
Paul, after meeting Jesus on the Damascus road, fasted three days.
Acts 9:9
“And he was three days without sight,
and neither did eat nor drink.”
Moses fasted forty days without bread or water, but this was supernatural and not a normal pattern to imitate casually.
Exodus 34:28
“And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights;
he did neither eat bread, nor drink water.
And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.”
Deuteronomy also says:
Deuteronomy 9:9
“When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone…
then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights,
I neither did eat bread nor drink water.”
A fast without water is extreme and should not be treated casually. The ordinary pattern for believers is abstaining from food, not self-harm.
If a person is pregnant, nursing, diabetic, elderly, unwell, on medication, recovering from illness, or has a history of eating disorders, they should not treat fasting carelessly. Wisdom matters.
The Bible says:
Proverbs 4:7
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom:
and with all thy getting get understanding.”
God is not honoured by foolishness disguised as zeal.
A person who cannot safely fast from food may fast from pleasant foods, entertainment, comforts, or certain lawful pleasures for a season while giving that time to prayer.
But remember: biblical fasting is mainly about seeking God, not merely changing diet.
The Bible shows many reasons and seasons for fasting.
The people of Nineveh fasted when Jonah preached judgment.
Jonah 3:4–5
“And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey,
and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.
So the people of Nineveh believed God,
and proclaimed a fast,
and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.”
Even the king humbled himself.
Jonah 3:6–9
“For word came unto the king of Nineveh,
and he arose from his throne,
and he laid his robe from him,
and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
And he caused it to be proclaimed…
Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing:
let them not feed, nor drink water:
But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth,
and cry mightily unto God:
yea, let them turn every one from his evil way,
and from the violence that is in their hands.
Who can tell if God will turn and repent,
and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?”
Notice fasting was joined with turning from evil.
Jonah 3:10
“And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way;
and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them;
and he did it not.”
God saw not only their hunger, but their turning.
Fast when sin is serious and repentance is needed.
Ezra fasted for God’s direction and protection.
Ezra 8:21–23
“Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava,
that we might afflict ourselves before our God,
to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.
For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen
to help us against the enemy in the way:
because we had spoken unto the king, saying,
The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him;
but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.
So we fasted and besought our God for this:
and he was intreated of us.”
They fasted to seek the right way.
The church in Antioch fasted before sending missionaries.
Acts 13:2–3
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted,
the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul…
And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
Fast when you need God’s direction.
Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast when enemies came against Judah.
2 Chronicles 20:3–4
“And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD,
and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD:
even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.”
He prayed:
2 Chronicles 20:12
“O our God, wilt thou not judge them?
for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us;
neither know we what to do:
but our eyes are upon thee.”
That is a fasting prayer:
“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon Thee.”
Esther fasted before risking her life.
Esther 4:16
“Fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days…”
Fast in crisis.
David and his men fasted after Saul and Jonathan died.
2 Samuel 1:11–12
“Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them;
and likewise all the men that were with him:
And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even,
for Saul, and for Jonathan his son,
and for the people of the LORD…”
Fasting can express grief before God.
Nehemiah fasted when he heard of Jerusalem’s broken condition.
Nehemiah 1:3–4
“And they said unto me,
The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach:
the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down,
and the gates thereof are burned with fire.
And it came to pass, when I heard these words,
that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days,
and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.”
Fast when the condition of God’s people, your family, your nation, or your own soul grieves you.
Jesus taught that some spiritual battles require deeper prayer and fasting.
After the disciples could not cast out a demon, Jesus said:
Matthew 17:20–21
“And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief:
for verily I say unto you,
If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed,
ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place;
and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”
Prayer and fasting are connected to spiritual seriousness.
Fasting does not give us authority apart from Christ. But fasting helps humble the flesh and intensify dependence on God.
Anna served God with fasting and prayer.
Luke 2:37
“But served God with fastings and prayers night and day.”
The church fasted while ministering to the Lord.
Acts 13:2
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted…”
Fasting is not only for emergencies. It can be part of worship, consecration, and ministry.
Fasting is not comfortable. It humbles the body.
Jesus fasted, and Scripture says:
Matthew 4:2
“And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.”
Hunger is not failure in fasting. Hunger is part of fasting.
When hunger comes, let it become prayer.
“Lord, as my body hungers for bread, let my soul hunger for You.”
Psalm 42:1–2
“As the hart panteth after the water brooks,
so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God…”
Jesus was tempted while fasting.
Luke 4:1–4
“And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan,
and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
Being forty days tempted of the devil…
And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God,
command this stone that it be made bread.
And Jesus answered him, saying,
It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word of God.”
The devil attacked Jesus around appetite, identity, and trust.
When you fast, do not be surprised if temptation rises.
Fasting can expose what controls us.
Anger may surface.
Impatience may surface.
Addiction to comfort may surface.
Dependence on food, entertainment, or routine may surface.
That exposure is not always bad. It shows what needs to be brought to God.
Fasting humbles the soul.
Psalm 69:10
“When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting,
that was to my reproach.”
Fasting reminds us we are weak, dependent creatures.
We are dust.
We need food.
We need God more.
Fasting can sharpen spiritual focus because it removes normal comforts and turns attention toward God.
Daniel sought God with fasting, and God gave understanding.
Daniel 10:12
“Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel:
for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand,
and to chasten thyself before thy God,
thy words were heard…”
“From the first day… thy words were heard.”
Fasting does not always bring instant visible answers, but God hears the humble heart.
Ezra fasted and God answered.
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and besought our God for this:
and he was intreated of us.”
Jehoshaphat fasted and God delivered Judah.
2 Chronicles 20:15
“Thus saith the LORD unto you,
Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude;
for the battle is not yours, but God's.”
Nineveh fasted and God showed mercy.
Jonah 3:10
“And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way…”
But fasting does not mean God must answer exactly as we demand.
David fasted for his sick child, but the child died.
2 Samuel 12:16
“David therefore besought God for the child;
and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.”
After the child died, David rose, washed, worshipped, and ate.
2 Samuel 12:20
“Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself,
and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped:
then he came to his own house;
and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.”
David fasted, but God’s answer was not what David desired.
So we fast with surrender.
“Not my will, but Thine.”
Luke 22:42
“Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me:
nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”
Jesus said:
Matthew 6:16
“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance:
for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast.
Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”
If the goal is to be seen by men, then the reward is only being seen by men.
No heavenly reward.
No true humility.
No spiritual profit.
In Isaiah 58, Israel fasted, but God rebuked them.
Isaiah 58:3–4
“Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not?
wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge?
Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure,
and exact all your labours.
Behold, ye fast for strife and debate,
and to smite with the fist of wickedness:
ye shall not fast as ye do this day,
to make your voice to be heard on high.”
They were fasting while practicing oppression, strife, and wickedness.
God rejected that fast.
Then God described the fast He chooses:
Isaiah 58:6–7
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen?
to loose the bands of wickedness,
to undo the heavy burdens,
and to let the oppressed go free,
and that ye break every yoke?
Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry,
and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house?
when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him;
and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?”
True fasting should lead to mercy, justice, generosity, and repentance.
God then gives promises:
Isaiah 58:8–9
“Then shall thy light break forth as the morning,
and thine health shall spring forth speedily:
and thy righteousness shall go before thee;
the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.
Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer;
thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am.”
Wrong fasting is empty.
Right fasting is joined with righteousness.
The Pharisee boasted:
Luke 18:12
“I fast twice in the week…”
But he went home unjustified.
Fasting is dangerous if it makes us feel superior.
The goal is humility, not pride.
Exodus 34:28
“And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights;
he did neither eat bread, nor drink water.”
Moses’ fast was connected with receiving God’s covenant words.
This was extraordinary and supernatural.
The Day of Atonement included afflicting the soul.
Leviticus 16:29–31
“And this shall be a statute for ever unto you:
that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month,
ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all…
For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you,
to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD.
It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you,
and ye shall afflict your souls…”
Fasting was connected with humility before God and atonement.
Hannah was barren and deeply grieved.
1 Samuel 1:7
“Therefore she wept, and did not eat.”
Then she prayed.
1 Samuel 1:10–11
“And she was in bitterness of soul,
and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.
And she vowed a vow, and said,
O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid…”
Hannah’s fasting was grief poured out before God.
David fasted when his child was sick.
2 Samuel 12:16
“David therefore besought God for the child;
and David fasted…”
David’s fast teaches us to seek God earnestly, but also to submit when God answers differently.
2 Chronicles 20:3
“Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD,
and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.”
This teaches corporate fasting in crisis.
Ezra 8:21
“I proclaimed a fast… to seek of him a right way for us…”
This teaches fasting for guidance and protection.
Nehemiah 1:4
“I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days,
and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.”
This teaches fasting with burden for God’s people.
Esther 4:16
“Fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days…”
This teaches fasting in urgent crisis.
Daniel 9:3
“I set my face unto the Lord God,
to seek by prayer and supplications,
with fasting…”
And:
Daniel 10:3
“I ate no pleasant bread,
neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth…”
This teaches both full spiritual fasting and partial fasting.
Jonah 3:5
“So the people of Nineveh believed God,
and proclaimed a fast…”
This teaches fasting joined with repentance.
Matthew 4:1–2
“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness
to be tempted of the devil.
And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights,
he was afterward an hungred.”
Jesus fasted before public ministry and spiritual conflict.
Luke 2:37
“But served God with fastings and prayers night and day.”
This teaches fasting as devotion and worship.
Acts 13:2–3
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted…
when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
This teaches fasting before ministry decisions.
Acts 9:9
“And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.”
Paul’s fast was connected to repentance, shock, prayer, and transformation.
Fasting ultimately points us to spiritual hunger for Christ.
Jesus is the Bread of Life.
John 6:35
“And Jesus said unto them,
I am the bread of life:
he that cometh to me shall never hunger;
and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”
Physical bread sustains the body.
Jesus gives eternal life.
Jesus said:
John 6:51
“I am the living bread which came down from heaven:
if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever:
and the bread that I will give is my flesh,
which I will give for the life of the world.”
Fasting reminds us that earthly food cannot save the soul.
Man needs Christ.
Jesus also taught that there would be a time when His disciples would fast.
Matthew 9:14–15
“Then came to him the disciples of John, saying,
Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
And Jesus said unto them,
Can the children of the bridechamber mourn,
as long as the bridegroom is with them?
but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them,
and then shall they fast.”
Jesus is the Bridegroom.
While He was physically present with His disciples, it was a time of joy. But after His death, resurrection, and ascension, His people would fast as they long for Him, seek Him, and await His return.
Christian fasting is not hopeless mourning. It is longing for the Bridegroom.
We fast because Christ has come.
We fast because Christ has died.
We fast because Christ is risen.
We fast because Christ will return.
We fast because we hunger for more of Him.
Here is a simple biblical pattern.
Ask: Why am I fasting?
Repentance?
Guidance?
Deliverance?
Intercession?
Spiritual warfare?
Consecration?
Burden for someone?
Seeking God’s presence?
Do not fast aimlessly.
Ezra said:
Ezra 8:21
“To seek of him a right way for us…”
A normal fast: no food, water only.
A partial fast: simple foods, water, no pleasant foods.
An absolute fast: no food or water, only for a short and serious occasion, and with wisdom.
A corporate fast: done with other believers for a shared burden.
One meal.
One day.
From morning to evening.
Twenty-four hours.
Three days.
A longer partial fast.
Scripture gives many examples, but does not command one fixed schedule for all Christians.
Do not simply skip food and fill the time with distraction.
Pray.
Read Scripture.
Confess sin.
Intercede.
Worship.
Listen.
Seek the Lord.
Matthew 6:18
“That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret…”
Isaiah 58:7
“Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry…”
If you fast but remain bitter, cruel, unforgiving, greedy, or oppressive, the fast is corrupted.
Do not end with gluttony. Give thanks.
1 Timothy 4:4–5
“For every creature of God is good,
and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”
Fasting cannot save you.
Only Jesus saves.
Ephesians 2:8–9
“For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Fasting cannot atone for sin.
Only the blood of Jesus cleanses.
1 John 1:7
“The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
Fasting cannot make God love you more.
God’s love is revealed in Christ.
Romans 5:8
“But God commendeth his love toward us,
in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Fasting cannot replace obedience.
1 Samuel 15:22
“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
Fasting cannot manipulate God.
God is Lord. We are servants.
Psalm 115:3
“But our God is in the heavens:
he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.”
Fasting can humble the soul.
Psalm 35:13
“I humbled my soul with fasting…”
Fasting can intensify prayer.
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and besought our God for this…”
Fasting can express repentance.
Jonah 3:5
“The people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast…”
Fasting can accompany spiritual guidance.
Acts 13:2
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said…”
Fasting can express grief.
Nehemiah 1:4
“I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted…”
Fasting can help us resist fleshly control and remember our dependence on God.
Matthew 4:4
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
Fasting can deepen longing for Christ.
Matthew 9:15
“Then shall they fast.”
Fasting is not about proving your strength.
Fasting is about admitting your weakness.
It is saying:
Lord, I need You.
Lord, I humble myself.
Lord, search me.
Lord, forgive me.
Lord, guide me.
Lord, deliver me.
Lord, fill me.
Lord, I hunger for You more than bread.
The world says, “Feed every appetite.”
The flesh says, “Never deny yourself.”
The devil says, “Turn stones into bread.”
But Jesus says:
Matthew 4:4
“Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
The greatest need of man is not food.
The greatest need of man is God.
And God has given Himself to us in Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the Bread of Life.
John 6:35
“I am the bread of life:
he that cometh to me shall never hunger;
and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”
So fast rightly.
Fast humbly.
Fast secretly.
Fast prayerfully.
Fast with Scripture.
Fast with repentance.
Fast with mercy.
Fast with wisdom.
Fast longing for Christ.
And remember: fasting is temporary, but Christ is eternal.
One day, the Bridegroom will return.
Then fasting will give way to feasting.
Revelation 19:9
“Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.”
Until then, we fast, pray, watch, repent, seek, and hunger for God.
Father, teach us to fast rightly.
Deliver us from hypocrisy.
Deliver us from pride.
Deliver us from religious performance.
Deliver us from trying to manipulate You.
Teach us to humble our souls before You.
Teach us to seek You with prayer and fasting.
Teach us to confess sin honestly.
Teach us to turn from wickedness.
Teach us to show mercy to the hungry, the oppressed, and the needy.
Lord, give wisdom to know when to fast, how to fast, and why to fast.
Strengthen those who are weak.
Guide those who are seeking direction.
Comfort those who mourn.
Deliver those in spiritual battle.
Awaken those who need repentance.
Most of all, draw us to Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life.
May we hunger for Him more than bread.
May we live by every word that proceeds from Your mouth.
May our fasting lead us into deeper love, holiness, obedience, and worship.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main Scriptures: John 1, John 3, Romans 8, Galatians 4, 1 Corinthians 3, Hebrews 5, 1 Peter 2, 1 John 3, Revelation 21–22
Main theme: Every true believer is born of God and is a child of God. Yet Scripture also speaks of “babes in Christ,” meaning immature believers who still need milk. God does not want His children to remain spiritual infants forever, but to grow into mature sons and daughters who know Him, love Him, obey Him, worship Him, and enjoy Him forever.
There is a difference between being born and being grown.
A newborn baby is alive, but not mature.
A newborn baby belongs to the family, but cannot yet walk strongly.
A newborn baby has life, but must be fed, carried, taught, protected, and trained.
A newborn baby is precious, but is not meant to remain a baby forever.
So it is spiritually.
The Bible speaks about being born again. Jesus said:
John 3:3
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
And again:
John 3:5–7
“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”
The Christian life begins with birth.
Not physical birth.
Not religious birth.
Not church tradition.
Not family background.
Not man-made reform.
But new birth by the Spirit of God.
But after birth, there must be growth.
Peter says:
1 Peter 2:2
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”
Notice the phrase: “newborn babes.”
There is such a thing as spiritual infancy. There are babes in Christ. There are those newly born, newly saved, newly awakened, newly learning, newly feeding on the Word.
Paul also uses this language.
1 Corinthians 3:1–2
“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual,
but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
I have fed you with milk, and not with meat:
for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.”
Paul says, “babes in Christ.”
So there is a biblical idea of an infant in Christ: one who has life in Christ, but is still immature, still needing milk, still not ready for meat, still needing growth.
But Scripture also uses another phrase: children of God.
John 1:12–13
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God,
even to them that believe on his name:
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,
nor of the will of man, but of God.”
Those who receive Christ and believe on His name become the sons, or children, of God.
So we must understand this carefully:
Every true believer is a child of God.
But not every child of God is mature.
Some children of God are still babes in Christ.
God loves the babe, but calls the babe to grow.
God receives the infant, but trains the child.
God gives milk first, but He also prepares meat.
God saves us as helpless sinners, then raises us as sons and daughters.
The goal is not merely to be born, but to grow.
Not merely to enter the family, but to enjoy fellowship with the Father.
Not merely to survive spiritually, but to walk with God, know His heart, obey His Word, and rejoice in His presence.
An infant in Christ is a true believer who is spiritually alive but immature.
They have been born again, but they need milk.
They belong to Christ, but they are still learning Christ.
They have faith, but their faith may be weak.
They have life, but need growth.
They have the Spirit, but need teaching.
They have salvation, but need discipleship.
Peter says:
1 Peter 2:2–3
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.”
The newborn babe has tasted that the Lord is gracious.
That is beautiful.
The infant in Christ may not understand everything.
They may not know deep doctrine yet.
They may not know how to rightly divide every Scripture.
They may not know how to fight every temptation.
They may not know how to pray strongly.
They may not know how to walk steadily.
But they have tasted grace.
They know Jesus is good.
They know mercy is real.
They know they need the Word.
They know they need the Father.
That is where growth begins.
The baby does not begin with meat. The baby begins with milk.
The milk of the Word is the basic nourishment of the Christian life.
The gospel.
Repentance.
Faith.
The cross.
Forgiveness.
Prayer.
Obedience.
The love of God.
The fear of the Lord.
The promises of Scripture.
An infant in Christ must be fed.
Jesus told Peter:
John 21:15
“He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.”
Lambs need feeding.
Young believers need feeding.
Weak believers need feeding.
New believers need feeding.
Those wounded by sin need feeding.
Those newly delivered need feeding.
The church must not despise babes in Christ.
Jesus does not despise lambs.
Isaiah 40:11
“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd:
he shall gather the lambs with his arm,
and carry them in his bosom,
and shall gently lead those that are with young.”
God carries lambs.
The infant in Christ is precious to God.
There is no shame in beginning as a babe. But there is danger in refusing to grow.
A baby should be a baby at first.
But if a child never grows, something is wrong.
Paul rebuked the Corinthians because they remained babes when they should have grown.
1 Corinthians 3:1–3
“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual,
but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
I have fed you with milk, and not with meat:
for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
For ye are yet carnal:
for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions,
are ye not carnal, and walk as men?”
Their immaturity showed itself in envy, strife, and divisions.
This is important.
Spiritual infancy is not only about how much Bible information a person knows. It is also shown by behaviour.
A babe in Christ may be easily offended.
A babe in Christ may be jealous.
A babe in Christ may be tossed by emotions.
A babe in Christ may follow personalities.
A babe in Christ may divide over small things.
A babe in Christ may not know how to forgive.
A babe in Christ may still think like the world.
The Corinthians had spiritual gifts, but lacked maturity.
That is possible.
A person can be gifted but immature.
A person can speak much but love little.
A person can know words but lack wisdom.
A person can be excited but unstable.
Paul says they were still carnal.
The writer of Hebrews gives a similar warning.
Hebrews 5:12–14
“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers,
ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God;
and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness:
for he is a babe.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age,
even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised
to discern both good and evil.”
This passage shows the difference between the babe and the mature.
The babe needs milk.
The mature can receive strong meat.
The babe is unskilful in the word of righteousness.
The mature have exercised senses.
The babe struggles with discernment.
The mature can discern good and evil.
God wants His people to grow in discernment.
Paul says:
Ephesians 4:14–15
“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro,
and carried about with every wind of doctrine,
by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things,
which is the head, even Christ.”
God does not want His people tossed to and fro.
A spiritual infant is easily moved by every wind.
A mature child of God is rooted in Christ.
A child of God is one who has been born of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Not everyone is a child of God in the saving sense. All people are created by God, but Scripture speaks of becoming children of God through receiving Christ.
John 1:12
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God,
even to them that believe on his name.”
A child of God is one who has received Christ.
Paul says:
Galatians 3:26
“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”
By faith in Christ Jesus.
Not by race.
Not by good works.
Not by religious background.
Not by family name.
Not by church attendance only.
Not by human effort.
By faith in Christ Jesus.
John writes:
1 John 3:1–2
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us,
that we should be called the sons of God:
therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God,
and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:
but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him;
for we shall see him as he is.”
“Now are we the sons of God.”
That is present reality.
If you are in Christ, you are not waiting to become God’s child someday. You are God’s child now.
But John also says:
“It doth not yet appear what we shall be.”
There is more glory to come.
Now we are children.
Then we shall be like Him.
Now we walk by faith.
Then we shall see Him as He is.
That is the destiny of the children of God.
A child of God does not merely receive a legal pardon. He receives family relationship.
Paul says:
Romans 8:14–16
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear;
but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit,
that we are the children of God.”
The Spirit of adoption teaches us to cry, “Abba, Father.”
This is not cold religion.
This is family.
The child of God knows God as Father.
Not because God is less holy.
Not because God is casual.
Not because God is like sinful earthly fathers.
But because Jesus brings us into sonship.
Paul also says:
Galatians 4:4–7
“But when the fulness of the time was come,
God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
To redeem them that were under the law,
that we might receive the adoption of sons.
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts,
crying, Abba, Father.
Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son;
and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”
This is glorious.
God sent His Son to redeem us.
God gives adoption.
God sends the Spirit of His Son into our hearts.
We cry, “Abba, Father.”
We are no more servants only, but sons.
And if sons, then heirs.
A child of God is an heir of God through Christ.
A spiritual infant needs milk.
A growing child learns to walk.
Paul says:
Colossians 2:6–7
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
Rooted and built up in him,
and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught,
abounding therein with thanksgiving.”
The child of God must learn to walk in Christ.
Walk in faith.
Walk in love.
Walk in truth.
Walk in the Spirit.
Walk in obedience.
Walk in holiness.
The Bible says:
Ephesians 5:1–2
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us,
and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”
“Dear children” walk in love.
Again:
Ephesians 5:8
“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord:
walk as children of light.”
Children of God walk as children of light.
John says:
1 John 1:6–7
“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness,
we lie, and do not the truth:
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light,
we have fellowship one with another,
and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
A child of God may stumble, but he cannot make peace with darkness.
He belongs to the light.
Children often resemble their father.
So it is spiritually.
Jesus said:
Matthew 5:44–45
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you,
and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven:
for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good,
and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”
Children of the Father should reflect the Father’s mercy.
Jesus said again:
Matthew 5:48
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
The child of God is called to reflect God’s character.
Peter says:
1 Peter 1:14–16
“As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
But as he which hath called you is holy,
so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
“Obedient children.”
A child of God should not be shaped by former lusts.
A child of God should be shaped by the holiness of the Father.
John says:
1 John 2:29
“If ye know that he is righteous,
ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.”
And:
1 John 3:9–10
“Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin;
for his seed remaineth in him:
and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
In this the children of God are manifest,
and the children of the devil:
whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God,
neither he that loveth not his brother.”
John is not saying a believer never commits a single sin, because he already wrote:
1 John 1:8–9
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
John’s meaning is that the born-again child of God cannot live in settled, unrepentant sin as a way of life. God’s seed is in him. New life produces a new direction.
The child of God bears the Father’s likeness.
A newborn baby is safe in the father’s house, but not yet skilled in the father’s business.
So with babes in Christ.
They are safe in Christ, if truly born again.
But they need teaching.
They need discernment.
They need correction.
They need strengthening.
They need to learn spiritual warfare.
They need to learn how to pray.
They need to learn how to forgive.
They need to learn how to resist temptation.
They need to learn the Word.
Paul told Timothy:
2 Timothy 3:14–17
“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of,
knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures,
which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
Scripture makes the child of God mature and furnished.
The infant in Christ needs milk, but must not despise discipline.
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 12:5–7
“My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord,
nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth,
and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons;
for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?”
God disciplines His children because He loves them.
A child without correction is neglected.
A child of God receives the Father’s correction.
A great difference between a servant and a son is inheritance.
Paul says:
Romans 8:16–17
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit,
that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs;
heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ;
if so be that we suffer with him,
that we may be also glorified together.”
Children are heirs.
Not heirs of a small earthly estate.
Heirs of God.
Joint-heirs with Christ.
This is almost too great for the mind to hold.
The Father does not merely forgive us and leave us outside.
He brings us into the family.
He gives us inheritance.
He makes us joint-heirs with Christ.
Peter says:
1 Peter 1:3–4
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope
by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away,
reserved in heaven for you.”
The inheritance is incorruptible.
Undefiled.
Unfading.
Reserved in heaven.
This is the future of the children of God.
Now we come to the thought you raised: the difference between an infant in Christ and a child of God in eternity.
We must speak carefully.
Scripture clearly says believers will worship God forever.
Revelation 22:3–5
“And there shall be no more curse:
but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it;
and his servants shall serve him:
And they shall see his face;
and his name shall be in their foreheads.
And there shall be no night there;
and they need no candle, neither light of the sun;
for the Lord God giveth them light:
and they shall reign for ever and ever.”
They shall serve Him.
They shall see His face.
They shall reign forever.
Scripture also teaches fullness of joy in God’s presence.
Psalm 16:11
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life:
in thy presence is fulness of joy;
at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Fullness of joy.
Pleasures forevermore.
So when we think of infants in Christ worshipping God forever, that is true in this sense: every redeemed soul will worship. No one in heaven will be bored with God. No one will outgrow worship. No one will say, “I want something better than God.” Worship will be joy, not burden.
But we should also say this: Scripture does not present mature children of God as worshipping less. Maturity does not move us beyond worship. Maturity deepens worship.
The mature child of God worships with fuller understanding, deeper love, greater freedom, and richer fellowship.
Your picture is helpful if we say it this way:
The infant in Christ knows the wonder of being held, fed, loved, and kept by God.
The child of God grows into fuller fellowship, interaction, joy, inheritance, service, and delight with the Father.
All worship.
All enjoy God.
All are loved.
But growth increases capacity for fellowship.
A newborn may be loved as much as an older child, but the older child can speak, walk, play, ask, listen, serve, and consciously enjoy the father in fuller ways.
That is a powerful picture of spiritual growth.
The Bible does not use the modern phrase “playing games with God for eternity,” so we should not preach that as a strict doctrine in the same way we preach the cross or resurrection.
But Scripture absolutely teaches eternal joy, fellowship, feasting, serving, reigning, seeing God’s face, and childlike delight in His restored creation.
The Bible gives glimpses of holy joy.
Zechariah speaks of restored Jerusalem with old people dwelling safely and children playing.
Zechariah 8:4–5
“Thus saith the LORD of hosts;
There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem,
and every man with his staff in his hand for very age.
And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.”
This is a picture of peace, safety, innocence, and joy.
Children playing in the streets is a sign of restoration.
Jesus also welcomed children.
Mark 10:13–16
“And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them:
and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them,
Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not:
for of such is the kingdom of God.
Verily I say unto you,
Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child,
he shall not enter therein.
And he took them up in his arms,
put his hands upon them, and blessed them.”
Jesus did not push children away.
He received them.
He held them.
He blessed them.
The kingdom belongs to such as these.
So it is not wrong to imagine eternity containing childlike joy, holy delight, laughter without sin, fellowship without fear, creativity without pride, activity without exhaustion, and interaction with God without distance.
Revelation speaks of God dwelling with His people.
Revelation 21:3–4
“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying,
Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men,
and he will dwell with them,
and they shall be his people,
and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying,
neither shall there be any more pain:
for the former things are passed away.”
God Himself will be with them.
This is interaction.
This is presence.
This is fellowship.
This is comfort.
This is family.
The eternal state is not merely standing at a distance looking toward God forever. It is God dwelling with His people.
Jesus also described kingdom joy as feasting.
Luke 13:29
“And they shall come from the east, and from the west,
and from the north, and from the south,
and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.”
And:
Matthew 8:11
“And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west,
and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.”
Revelation says:
Revelation 19:9
“Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.”
A supper speaks of fellowship, celebration, joy, communion.
So, yes, there is biblical ground to speak of eternal worship and eternal joy, and even childlike delight in the restored kingdom. If we use the word “play,” we should mean holy play: joy without sin, delight without foolishness, creativity without corruption, fellowship without jealousy, movement without weariness, and interaction with God in perfect love.
Jesus said:
John 14:1–3
“Let not your heart be troubled:
ye believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father's house are many mansions:
if it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again, and receive you unto myself;
that where I am, there ye may be also.”
“My Father’s house.”
That is family language.
The destination of the believer is not merely a place. It is being with Christ in the Father’s house.
“That where I am, there ye may be also.”
The child of God wants to be where Jesus is.
Paul said:
Philippians 1:23
“For I am in a strait betwixt two,
having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ;
which is far better.”
To be with Christ is far better.
Why?
Because Christ Himself is the treasure.
The infant in Christ is satisfied just to be held in mercy.
The growing child of God learns to walk with the Father.
The mature child of God longs to see the Father’s face, serve Him, speak with Him, rejoice before Him, and dwell with Him forever.
Let us develop the picture carefully.
An infant in Christ worships like one newly awakened to grace.
The infant says:
God saved me.
God forgave me.
God loves me.
Jesus died for me.
I need milk.
I need mercy.
I need to be carried.
That worship is precious.
Jesus said:
Matthew 21:16
“Yea; have ye never read,
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?”
God receives praise from babes.
But the child of God who grows in maturity worships with deeper understanding.
The growing child says:
I know my Father’s voice.
I know His Word.
I know His discipline is love.
I know His promises are true.
I know His holiness is beautiful.
I know His ways are wise.
I know Christ as Prophet, Priest, King, Shepherd, Advocate, Brother, Lord, and Bridegroom.
I know the Spirit bears witness with my spirit.
I know I am an heir.
I know I am called to walk, serve, love, forgive, overcome, and reign with Christ.
This is not a different salvation. It is deeper maturity.
Paul said:
1 Corinthians 13:11–12
“When I was a child, I spake as a child,
I understood as a child,
I thought as a child:
but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
For now we see through a glass, darkly;
but then face to face:
now I know in part;
but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
Now we know in part.
Then face to face.
Spiritual growth increases our capacity to enjoy what we already have in Christ.
John writes:
1 John 1:3–4
“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you,
that ye also may have fellowship with us:
and truly our fellowship is with the Father,
and with his Son Jesus Christ.
And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.”
Fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.
That is not distant religion.
It is communion.
Relationship.
Participation.
Joy.
Jesus said:
John 15:14–15
“Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
Henceforth I call you not servants;
for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth:
but I have called you friends;
for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”
Jesus calls His disciples friends.
That does not remove reverence. He is still Lord. But He brings us near.
The child of God is not merely tolerated.
The child of God is loved, adopted, taught, disciplined, and brought into fellowship.
The greatest promise of eternity is not merely streets of gold, though they are beautiful. It is not merely no pain, though that is wonderful. It is not merely reunion with saints, though that is precious.
The greatest promise is this:
Revelation 22:4
“And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.”
They shall see His face.
Jesus said:
Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart:
for they shall see God.”
John says:
1 John 3:2
“When he shall appear, we shall be like him;
for we shall see him as he is.”
The child of God will see the Father through the Son, in the glory of the Spirit, without sin, without fear, without veil, without distance.
That is the eternal interaction beyond all earthly imagination.
Prayer will become sight.
Faith will become seeing.
Hope will become possession.
Worship will become face-to-face joy.
Eternity is not emptiness. It includes service and reigning.
Revelation 22:3–5
“And there shall be no more curse:
but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it;
and his servants shall serve him:
And they shall see his face;
and his name shall be in their foreheads.
And there shall be no night there…
and they shall reign for ever and ever.”
His servants shall serve Him.
They shall reign forever.
This means the eternal life of God’s children is active.
Worship, service, fellowship, reigning, joy, and seeing God’s face all belong together.
Jesus also taught faithful servants would be entrusted with responsibility.
Matthew 25:21
“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant:
thou hast been faithful over a few things,
I will make thee ruler over many things:
enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
“Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
That is eternity.
Not boredom.
Joy.
The child of God enters the joy of the Lord.
There is a difference between childlike and childish.
Jesus calls us to childlike humility.
Matthew 18:2–4
“And Jesus called a little child unto him,
and set him in the midst of them,
And said, Verily I say unto you,
Except ye be converted, and become as little children,
ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child,
the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Childlike humility is kingdom greatness.
But childish instability is not maturity.
Paul says:
Ephesians 4:14
“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro…”
And:
1 Corinthians 14:20
“Brethren, be not children in understanding:
howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.”
In malice, be children.
In understanding, be mature.
So when we imagine eternal childlike joy, we must remove sin from it.
No selfishness.
No jealousy.
No pride.
No cruelty.
No foolishness.
No corruption.
No boredom.
No fear.
No exclusion.
No tears.
Only holy joy.
This is why the idea of playing, delighting, rejoicing, creating, exploring, and interacting with God in eternity can be beautiful if it is purified by Scripture.
The new creation will not be less joyful than Eden. It will be more glorious.
The sermon’s challenge is this: do not remain an infant.
If you are newly saved, rejoice. Drink the milk of the Word. Be fed. Be carried. Learn the basics. Let older believers help you.
But if you have been saved for years and still cannot forgive, still cannot discern truth, still cannot pray, still cannot receive correction, still chase every doctrine, still live on emotion alone, still resist holiness, still create strife, then hear the Word of the Lord: grow up in Christ.
Peter says:
2 Peter 3:18
“But grow in grace,
and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”
Grow in grace.
Paul says:
Colossians 1:9–10
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it,
do not cease to pray for you,
and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will
in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing,
being fruitful in every good work,
and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
Increasing in the knowledge of God.
That is the path from infancy to maturity.
Paul also says:
Philippians 3:12–14
“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect:
but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:
but this one thing I do,
forgetting those things which are behind,
and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Even Paul pressed on.
So must we.
1 Peter 2:2
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”
Growth requires Scripture.
John 15:4–5
“Abide in me, and I in you.
As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine;
no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
I am the vine, ye are the branches:
He that abideth in me, and I in him,
the same bringeth forth much fruit:
for without me ye can do nothing.”
Growth requires abiding.
Galatians 5:16
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit,
and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
Growth requires the Spirit.
Proverbs 12:1
“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge:
but he that hateth reproof is brutish.”
Growth requires humility.
James 1:22
“But be ye doers of the word,
and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
Growth requires doing.
1 John 4:20–21
“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar:
for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen,
how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
And this commandment have we from him,
That he who loveth God love his brother also.”
Growth requires love.
Hebrews 12:1–2
“Let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”
Jesus begins and completes our faith.
The children of God will not remain weak forever.
Paul says:
Romans 8:18–21
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time
are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth
for the manifestation of the sons of God.
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly,
but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption
into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”
There is coming a manifestation of the sons of God.
The world does not yet see what God’s children shall be.
Even we do not fully see what we shall be.
But God has promised glory.
Creation itself waits for the glorious liberty of the children of God.
No more corruption.
No more death.
No more curse.
No more sin.
No more spiritual infancy in weakness.
No more confusion.
No more distance.
The children of God will be glorified.
Romans 8:29–30
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate
to be conformed to the image of his Son,
that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called:
and whom he called, them he also justified:
and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”
God’s purpose is to conform His children to the image of His Son.
That is the final maturity.
We will be like Christ.
1 John 3:2
“We shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”
We become children of God only because the eternal Son came to save us.
Jesus is the only begotten Son in a unique and eternal way.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,
but have everlasting life.”
We are not children of God by nature in the same way Jesus is Son. He is the eternal Son. We are adopted sons and daughters through Him.
Jesus died to bring many sons to glory.
Hebrews 2:10
“For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things,
in bringing many sons unto glory,
to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”
“Bringing many sons unto glory.”
Jesus is not ashamed to call His people brethren.
Hebrews 2:11
“For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one:
for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.”
This is astonishing.
The Holy Son of God is not ashamed to call redeemed sinners His brethren.
Why?
Because He shed His blood for them.
Revelation 1:5–6
“Unto him that loved us,
and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father;
to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
The blood of Jesus makes us clean.
The resurrection of Jesus gives us life.
The Spirit of Jesus gives us adoption.
The Father receives us as children.
So what is the difference between an infant in Christ and a child of God?
An infant in Christ is alive, but immature.
A child of God is the identity of everyone truly born of God through faith in Christ.
An infant needs milk.
A growing child learns obedience.
An infant is carried.
A growing child learns to walk.
An infant worships with simple need.
A mature child worships with deeper fellowship.
An infant knows mercy.
A mature child learns inheritance.
An infant cries for food.
A mature child sits at the Father’s table.
An infant is precious.
A mature child is still precious, but now trained, discerning, fruitful, and ready for deeper communion.
In eternity, all the redeemed will worship God.
But worship will not be dead repetition. It will be fullness of joy.
There will be seeing His face.
There will be serving Him.
There will be reigning with Him.
There will be the marriage supper of the Lamb.
There will be the Father dwelling with His children.
There will be no more curse.
There will be holy joy.
There will be childlike delight.
There will be pleasures forevermore.
There may be play in the purified sense of joy, fellowship, creativity, and delight before God, for the restored city is a place where peace is so complete that even children can play safely in the streets.
But the greatest joy will always be God Himself.
Psalm 16:11
“In thy presence is fulness of joy;
at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
So come to Christ.
If you are not yet born again, you must be born again.
John 3:7
“Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”
Receive Christ.
John 1:12
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God,
even to them that believe on his name.”
And if you are already born again, grow.
2 Peter 3:18
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
Do not remain a babe tossed to and fro.
Grow in the Word.
Grow in prayer.
Grow in holiness.
Grow in love.
Grow in obedience.
Grow in discernment.
Grow in fellowship.
Grow in worship.
Grow in joy.
Grow as a child of God.
For the Father is raising children for glory.
Romans 8:17
“And if children, then heirs;
heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ…”
And one day, the children of God will see His face.
Revelation 22:4
“And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.”
Father, we thank You that through Jesus Christ we can be called the children of God.
We thank You for the new birth by the Holy Spirit.
We thank You for the milk of the Word that feeds newborn babes in Christ.
We thank You for patience with our weakness, ignorance, and immaturity.
We thank You that You carry lambs in Your arms.
But Lord, help us not remain infants forever.
Grow us in grace.
Grow us in knowledge.
Grow us in holiness.
Grow us in love.
Grow us in discernment.
Grow us in obedience.
Grow us into mature children who reflect the Father’s heart.
Thank You for the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Thank You that if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.
Lord, teach us to worship You now and prepare us for eternal worship.
Teach us to enjoy You now and prepare us for fullness of joy in Your presence.
Teach us childlike humility, holy delight, and deep fellowship with You.
We look forward to the day when there is no more curse, no more death, no more sorrow, no more crying, and no more pain.
We look forward to seeing Your face.
We look forward to the joy of the Father’s house.
Thank You for Jesus Christ, the eternal Son, who died and rose again to bring many sons unto glory.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main Scriptures: Genesis 4, Genesis 9, Exodus 12, Leviticus 17, Deuteronomy 12, Acts 15, Hebrews 9–12, 1 Peter 1, Revelation 12
Main theme: Blood is sacred because God says the life of the flesh is in the blood. In Leviticus, consuming blood was forbidden because blood was appointed by God for atonement. The final meaning of blood is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose blood cleanses the conscience, speaks better things than Abel, and brings believers near to God.
So in this sermon, we will preach the biblical seriousness of blood, the danger of consuming blood, the power of Christ’s sprinkled blood, and the Christian duty to walk carefully in a defiled world — without making a claim that Scripture and available facts do not support.
The Bible does not speak of blood casually.
From Genesis to Revelation, blood is sacred.
Blood cries from the ground.
Blood marks the doorposts at Passover.
Blood is sprinkled on the altar.
Blood is forbidden as food.
Blood makes atonement for the soul.
Blood seals the covenant.
Blood cleanses the conscience.
Blood speaks in heaven.
Blood overcomes the accuser.
Blood purchases people for God.
At the centre of it all is this verse:
Leviticus 17:11
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood:
and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls:
for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.”
God says the life of the flesh is in the blood.
Blood is not merely fluid.
Blood is not merely biology.
Blood is not merely ancient symbolism.
Blood is sacred because God says life is in it.
And God says He gave blood upon the altar to make atonement.
That means blood was not to be treated as common.
Blood was not to be consumed as ordinary food.
Blood was not to be played with.
Blood was not to be mixed with pagan appetite.
Blood belonged to God in a special way because blood represented life, and atoning blood pointed forward to Jesus Christ.
So the sermon today is this:
If life is in the blood, then blood belongs to God.
If blood belongs to God, then man must not profane it.
If blood makes atonement, then man must not treat it as common food.
If Christ’s blood is the final blood of redemption, then believers must honour that blood above all.
The first explicit blood in the Bible is not medical. It is moral.
Cain murdered Abel.
Genesis 4:8–10
“And Cain talked with Abel his brother:
and it came to pass, when they were in the field,
that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother?
And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?
And he said, What hast thou done?
the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.”
Abel’s blood cried.
That is important.
Blood has a voice before God.
Man may hide murder.
Man may bury evidence.
Man may lie like Cain.
Man may say, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
But blood cries to God.
Abel’s blood cried for justice.
This shows us that blood is connected to life, guilt, accountability, and judgment.
Later God says:
Numbers 35:33
“So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are:
for blood it defileth the land:
and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein,
but by the blood of him that shed it.”
Bloodshed defiles the land.
This is why murder is not only a crime against man. It is sin before God.
After the flood, God told Noah:
Genesis 9:5–6
“And surely your blood of your lives will I require;
at the hand of every beast will I require it,
and at the hand of man;
at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.
Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed:
for in the image of God made he man.”
Human blood is sacred because man is made in the image of God.
Every human life matters.
The unborn life matters.
The elderly life matters.
The poor life matters.
The disabled life matters.
The stranger’s life matters.
The prisoner’s life matters.
God says human blood will be required.
So from the beginning, Scripture teaches that blood is never morally neutral.
After the flood, God gave Noah permission to eat meat, but with a clear restriction.
Genesis 9:3–4
“Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you;
even as the green herb have I given you all things.
But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.”
God allowed meat, but forbade blood.
Why?
Because blood represents life.
“Flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.”
This command was before Moses.
This command was before Sinai.
This command was given to Noah, the father of the nations after the flood.
So the sacredness of blood is not a small ceremonial issue. It is deeply rooted in God’s order for life.
God allows man to eat flesh, but not to consume blood as though life belongs to man.
Life belongs to God.
Psalm 24:1
“The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof;
the world, and they that dwell therein.”
All life belongs to God.
The animal’s life belongs to God.
Human life belongs to God.
Your life belongs to God.
Your blood belongs to God.
Your breath belongs to God.
Daniel said:
Daniel 5:23
“And the God in whose hand thy breath is,
and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified.”
Blood reminds us: life is not ours to own absolutely. Life is entrusted by God.
In Exodus, blood becomes the sign of deliverance.
Israel was in Egypt. God was about to judge the firstborn. But God provided a lamb.
Exodus 12:3
“Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying,
In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb,
according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house.”
The lamb had to be without blemish.
Exodus 12:5
“Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year:
ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats.”
Then the lamb was slain, and its blood was put on the doorposts.
Exodus 12:7
“And they shall take of the blood,
and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses,
wherein they shall eat it.”
God said:
Exodus 12:12–13
“For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night,
and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast;
and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.
And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are:
and when I see the blood, I will pass over you,
and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you,
when I smite the land of Egypt.”
“When I see the blood, I will pass over you.”
The blood marked the house.
The blood stood between judgment and the family inside.
The blood was the sign that a substitute had died.
This points to Jesus Christ.
Paul says:
1 Corinthians 5:7
“For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.”
Jesus is our Passover Lamb.
Peter says:
1 Peter 1:18–19
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things,
as silver and gold…
But with the precious blood of Christ,
as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
The Passover teaches us that deliverance comes by blood.
Not by Egyptian wisdom.
Not by Israel’s strength.
Not by moral comparison.
Not by family name.
By blood.
So from Genesis to Exodus we learn:
Blood cries.
Blood is life.
Blood marks deliverance.
Blood points to substitution.
Leviticus brings the doctrine into sharp focus.
Leviticus 17:10–11
“And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel,
or of the strangers that sojourn among you,
that eateth any manner of blood;
I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood,
and will cut him off from among his people.
For the life of the flesh is in the blood:
and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls:
for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.”
This is a severe warning.
God says:
“I will set my face against that soul.”
That is frightening.
To have God’s face shine upon you is blessing.
Numbers 6:24–26
“The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”
But in Leviticus 17, God says He will set His face against the soul that eats blood.
That is covenant severity.
He also says He will cut him off from among his people.
That is the spiritual desolation you mentioned: being cut off, removed from covenant fellowship, placed under divine opposition.
Why so severe?
Because blood was given for the altar.
God says:
“I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls.”
Blood had a holy purpose.
If blood is given by God for atonement, then to consume blood as food is to treat the holy thing as common.
That is profanation.
It is like saying, “What God appointed for atonement, I will use for appetite.”
That is spiritually dangerous.
This was not said once only.
Leviticus says:
Leviticus 3:17
“It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings,
that ye eat neither fat nor blood.”
Again:
Leviticus 7:26–27
“Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood,
whether it be of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings.
Whatsoever soul it be that eateth any manner of blood,
even that soul shall be cut off from his people.”
Again in Leviticus 17:
Leviticus 17:13–14
“And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel,
or of the strangers that sojourn among you,
which hunteth and catcheth any beast or fowl that may be eaten;
he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust.
For it is the life of all flesh;
the blood of it is for the life thereof:
therefore I said unto the children of Israel,
Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh:
for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof:
whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.”
The blood had to be poured out and covered with dust.
This shows reverence.
The hunter could eat the meat, but he could not consume the blood.
Deuteronomy repeats:
Deuteronomy 12:23–25
“Only be sure that thou eat not the blood:
for the blood is the life;
and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh.
Thou shalt not eat it;
thou shalt pour it upon the earth as water.
Thou shalt not eat it;
that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee,
when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD.”
“Be sure.”
God is emphatic.
Do not eat the blood.
The blood is the life.
Pour it out.
Do what is right.
That it may go well with thee.
This is not merely dietary trivia. It is theology.
Blood belongs to God.
Leviticus 16 shows the Day of Atonement.
The high priest entered the Holy of Holies with blood.
Leviticus 16:14–16
“And he shall take of the blood of the bullock,
and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward;
and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times.
Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people,
and bring his blood within the vail…
and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:
And he shall make an atonement for the holy place,
because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel…”
Blood was sprinkled before God.
Blood was not drunk by the people.
Blood was not used for appetite.
Blood was brought before the mercy seat.
Blood was placed before God as atonement.
Leviticus 16:30 says:
Leviticus 16:30
“For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you,
to cleanse you,
that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD.”
Atonement.
Cleansing.
Blood.
Mercy seat.
Priest.
Substitution.
All of it points to Christ.
Hebrews explains:
Hebrews 9:7
“But into the second went the high priest alone once every year,
not without blood,
which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people.”
Not without blood.
No one approached the Holy of Holies casually.
No one came without blood.
That is why consuming blood was so serious. Blood was appointed for approach to God, not for sinful appetite.
Some may say, “That was only Old Testament.”
But in Acts 15, when the gospel went to the Gentiles, the apostles gave instructions.
Acts 15:19–20
“Wherefore my sentence is,
that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
But that we write unto them,
that they abstain from pollutions of idols,
and from fornication,
and from things strangled,
and from blood.”
Again:
Acts 15:28–29
“For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us,
to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
That ye abstain from meats offered to idols,
and from blood,
and from things strangled,
and from fornication:
from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.”
The Gentile believers were told to abstain from blood.
This was not salvation by food law. The apostles were clear that Gentiles are saved by grace through faith.
Peter said:
Acts 15:11
“But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.”
So abstaining from blood does not save us.
Christ saves us.
But the apostles still told Gentile believers to abstain from blood.
Why?
Because blood is sacred.
Because table fellowship mattered.
Because holiness mattered.
Because idolatry and blood were connected in pagan practice.
Because God’s people should not treat blood as common.
So the Christian should not be careless with blood.
Now we must speak carefully about John 6.
Jesus said:
John 6:53–56
“Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you,
Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood,
ye have no life in you.
Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life;
and I will raise him up at the last day.
For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.”
Many were offended.
John 6:60
“Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said,
This is an hard saying; who can hear it?”
Jesus was not teaching cannibalism. He was not overturning Leviticus to command literal blood drinking. He was speaking of receiving Him by faith, participating in His sacrificial death, and depending on Him for life.
He explains:
John 6:63
“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing:
the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
Jesus is the true Bread from heaven.
John 6:35
“And Jesus said unto them,
I am the bread of life:
he that cometh to me shall never hunger;
and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”
To eat and drink in John 6 is to come and believe.
The blood of Jesus must be received by faith, not consumed as common blood.
His blood is not profane.
His blood is covenant blood.
His blood is atoning blood.
His blood is saving blood.
At the Last Supper, Jesus said:
Matthew 26:27–28
“And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying,
Drink ye all of it;
For this is my blood of the new testament,
which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
The cup points to His blood shed for remission.
Christians do not treat blood as common. We remember Christ’s blood as holy covenant blood.
Hebrews explains Leviticus through Jesus.
Hebrews 9:11–12
“But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come,
by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands…
Neither by the blood of goats and calves,
but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place,
having obtained eternal redemption for us.”
Jesus entered by His own blood.
Not goat blood.
Not calf blood.
Not repeated blood.
His own blood.
And He obtained eternal redemption.
Hebrews continues:
Hebrews 9:13–14
“For if the blood of bulls and of goats,
and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean,
sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
How much more shall the blood of Christ,
who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God,
purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”
The blood of Christ purges the conscience.
This is deeper than outward cleansing.
A guilty conscience can be cleansed.
A defiled conscience can be washed.
A sinner can be brought near.
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 9:22
“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood;
and without shedding of blood is no remission.”
Without shedding of blood is no remission.
That is why the cross was necessary.
Not because God enjoys suffering.
Not because God is cruel.
But because sin brings death, and atonement requires blood.
Jesus’ blood is the final answer.
Hebrews 10:10–14
“By the which will we are sanctified
through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices,
which can never take away sins:
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever,
sat down on the right hand of God…
For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”
Once for all.
The blood of Jesus is not weak.
The blood of Jesus is not partial.
The blood of Jesus is not needing improvement.
The blood of Jesus is sufficient.
You mentioned Hebrews 12, and this is very important.
Hebrews says believers have come:
Hebrews 12:22–24
“But ye are come unto mount Sion,
and unto the city of the living God,
the heavenly Jerusalem,
and to an innumerable company of angels,
To the general assembly and church of the firstborn,
which are written in heaven,
and to God the Judge of all,
and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant,
and to the blood of sprinkling,
that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”
The blood of sprinkling speaks better things than Abel.
Abel’s blood cried from the ground for justice.
Jesus’ blood speaks from heaven of mercy, atonement, forgiveness, covenant, and redemption.
And yes, the “sprinkling” matters.
In Exodus, blood was sprinkled.
Exodus 24:8
“And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people,
and said, Behold the blood of the covenant,
which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.”
In Leviticus, blood was sprinkled.
Leviticus 16:14
“He shall take of the blood of the bullock,
and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward…”
In Hebrews, believers are connected to the blood of sprinkling.
Hebrews 10:22
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,
having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience,
and our bodies washed with pure water.”
A sprinkle of blood is not nothing when God appoints it.
That is a powerful theological point.
If God says sprinkled blood cleanses, then “only a little blood” is not a small thing.
Blood is spiritually significant because God says so.
Therefore, when it comes to literal blood as food, we must not say, “It is just a little.” God warned Israel not to eat “any manner of blood.”
Leviticus 7:26
“Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood…”
When it comes to Christ’s blood, we must not say, “It is only a symbol with no power.” God says the blood of Jesus cleanses.
1 John 1:7
“The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
The issue is not quantity.
The issue is holiness.
The issue is God’s appointment.
The issue is whether blood is treated as sacred or common.
Hebrews gives a severe warning.
Hebrews 10:26–29
“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth,
there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation,
which shall devour the adversaries.
He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy,
who hath trodden under foot the Son of God,
and hath counted the blood of the covenant,
wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing,
and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?”
This is one of the most frightening warnings in the New Testament.
To count the blood of the covenant as an unholy thing is terrible.
The word means common, profane, ordinary.
Do not treat Christ’s blood as common.
Do not treat the cross as small.
Do not treat grace as permission to sin.
Do not treat atonement as a religious slogan.
Do not treat the blood of Jesus like a casual thing.
If God judged the profaning of animal blood under the law, how much more serious is the profaning of Christ’s blood?
The blood of animals pointed forward.
The blood of Jesus is the fulfilment.
Now we come to the modern concern.
As stated earlier, HEK293 is “aborted fetus blood” is used in food, beverages and medicines as flavouring. It gets past FDA standards due to the quantity being below the required reporting level.
But Christians must ask legitimate conscience questions:
Was a product developed using morally troubling research?
Does a company profit from methods connected to abortion-derived cell lines?
Is my conscience troubled by supporting this?
Am I free to abstain?
How should I speak truthfully without spreading false witness?
How do I honour God with what I eat and drink?
The Bible gives principles.
First:
1 Corinthians 10:31
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do,
do all to the glory of God.”
Eating and drinking must be brought under God’s glory.
Second:
Romans 14:22–23
“Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God.
Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith:
for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”
If your conscience is troubled, do not violate it.
Third:
1 Corinthians 8:9
“But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.”
Do not use liberty to wound another believer.
Fourth:
1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
If something appears connected with evil, a Christian may wisely abstain.
Fifth:
Ephesians 5:11
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,
but rather reprove them.”
We should not knowingly fellowship with wickedness.
But sixth:
Ephesians 4:25
“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour…”
We must speak truthfully.
So the Christian response should be:
Not panic.
Not slander.
Not false claims.
Not careless consumption.
Not dull conscience.
Not legalistic pride.
But truth, holiness, conscience, prayer, and wisdom.
If a believer chooses to avoid certain companies because of research practices, conscience, abortion concerns, or ethical supply chains, they may do that unto the Lord.
If a believer investigates and finds that the claim was exaggerated or false, they should not repeat it as fact.
Both holiness and truth matter.
The New Testament faced a similar issue with food offered to idols.
Some believers were deeply troubled by eating such food. Others knew an idol was nothing.
Paul wrote:
1 Corinthians 8:4
“As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols,
we know that an idol is nothing in the world,
and that there is none other God but one.”
But Paul did not say, “Therefore, do whatever you want.”
He said:
1 Corinthians 8:7
“Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge:
for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol;
and their conscience being weak is defiled.”
Conscience matters.
Then he said:
1 Corinthians 8:13
“Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend,
I will eat no flesh while the world standeth,
lest I make my brother to offend.”
Love limits liberty.
In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul adds:
1 Corinthians 10:20–21
“But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice,
they sacrifice to devils, and not to God:
and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils:
ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.”
So Paul balances two truths:
An idol is nothing in itself.
But demonic fellowship is real and must be avoided.
Apply that principle today:
But if something is truly connected to evil, death, exploitation, abortion, deception, or idolatrous practice, Christians should not be casual.
We ask: does this involve fellowship with darkness?
Does this violate conscience?
Does this dishonour Christ?
Can I thank God for it?
Can I eat or drink it to the glory of God?
1 Timothy 4:4–5
“For every creature of God is good,
and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”
But if you cannot receive something with thanksgiving and faith, do not violate conscience.
Although HEK293 is fetal blood used as flavouring, we must speak biblically about innocent blood.
God hates the shedding of innocent blood.
Proverbs 6:16–17
“These six things doth the LORD hate:
yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
A proud look, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood…”
The unborn child is seen by God.
Psalm 139:13–16
“For thou hast possessed my reins:
thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:
marvellous are thy works;
and that my soul knoweth right well.
My substance was not hid from thee,
when I was made in secret…
Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect…”
Jeremiah was known before birth.
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee;
and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee…”
John the Baptist leaped in the womb.
Luke 1:41
“And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary,
the babe leaped in her womb;
and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.”
So Christians are right to be grieved by abortion and by any industry that treats unborn human life as raw material.
But we must still speak accurately.
To defend innocent blood, we must not bear false witness.
The God who says “shed no innocent blood” also says “lie not.”
Leviticus 19:11
“Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.”
Holiness includes both life and truth.
The world is stained with blood.
Abel’s blood.
War blood.
Murder blood.
Abortion blood.
Martyr blood.
Oppression blood.
Violence blood.
Human history is bloody.
But there is one blood that cleanses instead of defiling.
The blood of Jesus.
Ephesians 1:7
“In whom we have redemption through his blood,
the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”
Colossians 1:20
“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross,
by him to reconcile all things unto himself…”
Romans 5:9
“Much more then, being now justified by his blood,
we shall be saved from wrath through him.”
Revelation 1:5
“Unto him that loved us,
and washed us from our sins in his own blood.”
His blood redeems.
His blood forgives.
His blood makes peace.
His blood justifies.
His blood washes.
This is why Christians must not be casual about blood.
All the blood of Leviticus pointed forward to the Lamb of God.
John the Baptist said:
John 1:29
“Behold the Lamb of God,
which taketh away the sin of the world.”
Jesus is the Lamb.
Revelation says:
Revelation 5:9
“Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof:
for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood
out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.”
Redeemed by blood.
Revelation says:
Revelation 12:10–11
“And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven,
Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God,
and the power of his Christ:
for the accuser of our brethren is cast down,
which accused them before our God day and night.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb,
and by the word of their testimony;
and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
The saints overcome by the blood of the Lamb.
Not by their own strength.
Not by their own righteousness.
Not by religious performance.
Not by human power.
By the blood of the Lamb.
Satan accuses.
He says, “You sinned.”
He says, “You are guilty.”
He says, “You are unclean.”
He says, “You cannot come to God.”
The answer is not, “I have never sinned.”
The answer is:
The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses me from all sin.
1 John 1:7
“The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
The biblical principle is this:
Do not consume what God has reserved for Himself.
In Eden, God gave Adam and Eve many trees, but one tree was forbidden.
Genesis 2:16–17
“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying,
Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it…”
The sin was not starvation. God gave abundance. The sin was taking what God reserved.
In Leviticus, God gave meat, but forbade blood.
Deuteronomy 12:23
“Only be sure that thou eat not the blood:
for the blood is the life…”
Again, the issue is taking what God reserved.
Blood was for life and atonement.
It was not for appetite.
This principle reaches the Lord’s Table.
Paul warns about eating and drinking unworthily.
1 Corinthians 11:27–29
“Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily,
shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily,
eateth and drinketh damnation to himself,
not discerning the Lord's body.”
Even the memorial cup must not be treated casually.
Why?
Because it points to holy blood.
There are two ways to relate to blood in Scripture.
One way is rebellion: shedding innocent blood, eating forbidden blood, treating blood as common, counting covenant blood unholy.
The other way is faith: coming under the blood, being cleansed by the blood, overcoming by the blood, drawing near through the blood.
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 10:19–22
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil,
that is to say, his flesh;
And having an high priest over the house of God;
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,
having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience,
and our bodies washed with pure water.”
We enter by the blood of Jesus.
Not by blood we consume.
Not by blood we spill.
Not by blood we misuse.
Not by our own blood.
By His blood.
The blood of Jesus opens the way.
The Christian should not be careless with the body.
1 Corinthians 6:19–20
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you,
which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
For ye are bought with a price:
therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”
You are bought with a price.
What price?
The blood of Christ.
Acts 20:28
“Feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”
Therefore, glorify God in your body.
This includes what we eat, drink, watch, touch, support, and participate in.
Paul says:
2 Corinthians 7:1
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved,
let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit,
perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
Cleanse flesh and spirit.
Not only inward thoughts.
Not only outward behaviour.
Both.
So if something violates conscience, abstain.
If something is connected to darkness, avoid it.
If something is uncertain, pray, investigate, and walk humbly.
If something is false, do not repeat it.
If something is unclean, do not consume it.
If something dishonours Christ, leave it.
Romans 12:1–2
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,
that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world:
but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
A blood-bought people must not live carelessly.
The warning is serious.
If blood is life, do not profane blood.
If blood is for atonement, do not treat it as common.
If Christ’s blood cleanses, do not despise it.
If His blood speaks better things than Abel, listen to that blood.
Hebrews warns:
Hebrews 12:25
“See that ye refuse not him that speaketh.”
Do not refuse the speaking blood.
Abel’s blood cries judgment.
Jesus’ blood speaks mercy.
But if a man rejects mercy, he remains under judgment.
Hebrews 2:3
“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?”
There is no escape if we neglect the blood of Christ.
But there is full salvation for those who come.
Romans 3:24–25
“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood…”
Faith in His blood.
Come to Christ.
Come under the blood.
Be washed in the blood.
Be redeemed by the blood.
Be justified by the blood.
Be reconciled by the blood.
Be cleansed by the blood.
Be brought near by the blood.
Ephesians 2:13
“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off
are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”
Let us bring it together.
In Genesis, Abel’s blood cried from the ground.
In Genesis 9, God forbade eating blood because blood is life.
In Exodus, Passover blood protected Israel from judgment.
In Leviticus, blood was given on the altar for atonement.
In Deuteronomy, God said, “Be sure that thou eat not the blood.”
In Acts, Gentile believers were told to abstain from blood.
In Hebrews, Christ entered by His own blood.
In Hebrews 12, the blood of sprinkling speaks better things than Abel.
In Revelation, the saints overcome by the blood of the Lamb.
The life is in the blood.
But eternal life is found in the blood of Jesus Christ.
Do not profane blood.
Do not consume what God forbids.
Do not treat holy things as common.
Do not spread false witness in the name of holiness.
Do not violate conscience.
Do not fellowship with darkness.
Do not despise the blood of the covenant.
Instead, come to the Lamb.
Revelation 7:14
“These are they which came out of great tribulation,
and have washed their robes,
and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
White in the blood of the Lamb.
That is the mystery of redemption.
Blood that washes white.
Blood that cleanses sin.
Blood that speaks mercy.
Blood that opens heaven.
Blood that defeats Satan.
Blood that brings us near to God.
Revelation 1:5–6
“Unto him that loved us,
and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father;
to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
Amen.
Father, we thank You for Your Word.
You have taught us that the life of the flesh is in the blood.
You have taught us that blood is sacred.
You have warned us not to treat blood as common.
You gave blood upon the altar to make atonement for the soul.
Lord, forgive us for treating holy things lightly.
Forgive us for careless living.
Forgive us for consuming without conscience.
Forgive us for failing to honour life.
Forgive us also for speaking carelessly or falsely when we should speak truthfully.
Give us clean hands, clean lips, and clean hearts.
Teach us to walk in holiness.
Teach us to honour innocent life.
Teach us to abstain from evil.
Teach us to do all things, whether eating or drinking, to Your glory.
Most of all, thank You for the blood of Jesus Christ.
Thank You that His blood cleanses from all sin.
Thank You that His blood speaks better things than Abel.
Thank You that His blood purges the conscience.
Thank You that by His blood we are redeemed, justified, reconciled, washed, and brought near.
May every hearer come under the blood of the Lamb.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main Scriptures: Genesis 5–9, Ezekiel 14, Matthew 24, Hebrews 11, 1 Peter 3, 2 Peter 2–3
Main theme: Noah teaches us that God sees the wickedness of man, judges sin, saves by grace, calls His people to obedient faith, provides one way of salvation, remembers His covenant, and warns the world that judgment is coming again.
Noah lived in one of the darkest generations in human history.
The world was not merely confused.
The world was corrupt.
The world was violent.
The imaginations of men’s hearts were evil continually.
The earth was filled with violence.
And judgment was coming.
But in the middle of that generation, Scripture says one of the most beautiful things in the Bible:
Genesis 6:8
“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”
That word “but” is powerful.
The world was wicked, but Noah found grace.
The earth was corrupt, but Noah found grace.
Violence filled the earth, but Noah found grace.
Judgment was coming, but Noah found grace.
Noah’s story is not first about the greatness of Noah. It is about the grace of God.
Noah was righteous, but he was righteous by faith.
Noah obeyed, but he obeyed because he believed God.
Noah built the ark, but God gave the warning and God gave the pattern.
Noah survived the flood, but God shut him in.
Noah came out into a new world, but God remembered him.
Noah received covenant, but God established it.
So Noah teaches us this:
God judges sin.
God saves by grace.
God calls for faith.
God provides an ark.
God keeps His covenant.
And God warns every generation to be ready.
Jesus Himself used the days of Noah as a warning about the last days.
Matthew 24:37–39
“But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage,
until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away;
so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”
So Noah is not merely an old story for children.
Noah is a warning to the world.
Noah is a call to repentance.
Noah is a picture of salvation.
Noah is a testimony of faith.
Noah points us to Jesus Christ.
Noah’s story begins before the flood. It begins in the world after Adam’s sin.
When Adam sinned, the ground was cursed.
Genesis 3:17–19
“And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife,
and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it:
cursed is the ground for thy sake;
in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee;
and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread,
till thou return unto the ground;
for out of it wast thou taken:
for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”
Sin brought sorrow, sweat, thorns, curse, and death.
Then Cain murdered Abel.
Genesis 4:8–10
“And Cain talked with Abel his brother:
and it came to pass, when they were in the field,
that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother?
And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?
And he said, What hast thou done?
the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.”
The world after Adam was not improving into paradise. Sin was spreading.
Then Lamech, Noah’s father, named his son with hope.
Genesis 5:28–29
“And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son:
And he called his name Noah, saying,
This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands,
because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed.”
The name Noah is connected with rest or comfort.
Lamech looked at the cursed ground, the painful toil, the sweat of labour, and he hoped that Noah would bring comfort.
This is important.
Noah was born into a world longing for relief.
The ground was cursed.
The world was violent.
Death reigned.
Men worked with toil.
Families buried loved ones.
Sin was multiplying.
And into that world came Noah, whose name speaks of comfort.
But Noah himself was not the final comforter. He points beyond himself to Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the true bringer of rest.
Matthew 11:28–30
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Noah’s name speaks of rest from cursed toil.
Jesus gives rest to the soul.
Noah lived in a cursed world.
Jesus came into a cursed world to redeem us from the curse.
Galatians 3:13
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law,
being made a curse for us:
for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.”
Genesis 6 gives a terrible description of the world before the flood.
Genesis 6:5
“And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth,
and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”
This is one of the strongest statements about human corruption in Scripture.
The wickedness of man was great.
Every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was evil.
Only evil.
Continually.
Sin was not occasional.
Sin was not small.
Sin was not hidden from God.
God saw.
That is the first frightening truth.
Genesis 6:5
“And GOD saw…”
Man may hide from man, but man cannot hide from God.
Hebrews 4:13
“Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight:
but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”
God sees the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7
“For the LORD seeth not as man seeth;
for man looketh on the outward appearance,
but the LORD looketh on the heart.”
In Noah’s day, God looked upon the heart of mankind and saw evil.
Then Scripture says:
Genesis 6:11–12
“The earth also was corrupt before God,
and the earth was filled with violence.
And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt;
for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.”
Corruption and violence filled the earth.
This matters today.
Jesus said the last days would be like the days of Noah.
Matthew 24:37
“But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”
When the world becomes careless about God, full of violence, full of corruption, full of appetite, full of unbelief, and blind to coming judgment, we are seeing the spirit of Noah’s days.
Paul also describes the last days:
2 Timothy 3:1–5
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers,
disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce,
despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:
from such turn away.”
The days of Noah warn us that God does not ignore a corrupt world forever.
Genesis says:
Genesis 6:6–7
“And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth,
and it grieved him at his heart.
And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth;
both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air;
for it repenteth me that I have made them.”
This is deep language.
God was grieved at His heart.
Sin is not just breaking rules. Sin grieves God.
When people say, “My sin does not hurt anyone,” they forget that sin is first against God.
David said:
Psalm 51:4
“Against thee, thee only, have I sinned,
and done this evil in thy sight:
that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest,
and be clear when thou judgest.”
Sin grieves the holy God.
Paul tells believers:
Ephesians 4:30
“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God,
whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”
If sin grieved God in Noah’s day, sin still grieves Him now.
The flood was not an emotional outburst. It was holy judgment after deep corruption.
God is patient, but His patience is not permission.
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness;
but is longsuffering to us-ward,
not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
God is longsuffering, but judgment comes if men refuse repentance.
In the darkness of Genesis 6, suddenly light shines.
Genesis 6:8
“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”
Grace means favour from God.
Noah did not save himself by human strength. He found grace.
Then Scripture says:
Genesis 6:9
“These are the generations of Noah:
Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations,
and Noah walked with God.”
Noah was just.
Noah was upright in his generation.
Noah walked with God.
But the order matters.
First: Noah found grace.
Then: Noah walked with God.
Grace does not produce lawlessness. Grace produces obedience.
Paul says:
Ephesians 2:8–10
“For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Saved by grace, not works.
Created for good works.
Noah’s obedience did not earn grace. Noah’s obedience showed faith in the God who gave grace.
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 11:7
“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet,
moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house;
by the which he condemned the world,
and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”
Noah was a man of faith.
He believed what God said about judgment.
He believed what God said about the ark.
He believed what God said before he saw the flood.
He moved with fear.
He prepared the ark.
He became heir of righteousness by faith.
Noah found grace, walked with God, and obeyed by faith.
That is the pattern.
Grace.
Faith.
Obedience.
Genesis says:
Genesis 6:9
“Noah walked with God.”
This phrase is also used of Enoch.
Genesis 5:24
“And Enoch walked with God:
and he was not; for God took him.”
To walk with God means fellowship, obedience, faith, nearness, and agreement with God.
Amos asks:
Amos 3:3
“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”
Noah walked with God while the world walked in corruption.
This is important.
You do not need a righteous generation in order to be righteous.
You do not need a holy culture in order to walk with God.
You do not need approval from Babylon in order to obey the Lord.
You do not need the crowd to agree with you.
Noah walked with God when almost everyone else did not.
Jesus said:
Matthew 7:13–14
“Enter ye in at the strait gate:
for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction,
and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life,
and few there be that find it.”
Noah was on the narrow way.
The crowd was not safe.
The majority was not right.
The culture was not wise.
The world was not prepared.
Noah walked with God.
That is the call today.
Walk with God even if the world laughs.
Walk with God even if the world eats and drinks without fear.
Walk with God even if the world calls judgment foolish.
Walk with God even if the world does not enter the ark.
God told Noah what He was about to do.
Genesis 6:13
“And God said unto Noah,
The end of all flesh is come before me;
for the earth is filled with violence through them;
and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.”
God gave warning before judgment.
This is mercy.
God does not have to warn.
God does not owe sinners time.
But God warns because He is longsuffering.
He warned Adam.
He warned Cain.
He warned Pharaoh.
He warned Israel.
He warned Nineveh.
He warned through prophets.
He warns now through the gospel.
Ezekiel 33:11
“Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD,
I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked;
but that the wicked turn from his way and live:
turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways;
for why will ye die, O house of Israel?”
God warned Noah, and Noah believed.
The world had never seen a flood like this. Hebrews says Noah was warned of things not seen as yet.
Hebrews 11:7
“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet…”
Faith believes God before the visible proof arrives.
The world says, “Show me first, then I will believe.”
Faith says, “God has spoken, therefore I believe.”
Peter tells us that scoffers will come before the final judgment.
2 Peter 3:3–4
“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers,
walking after their own lusts,
And saying, Where is the promise of his coming?
for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.”
Scoffers say, “Nothing will change. Judgment is not coming.”
But Peter points them back to Noah’s flood.
2 Peter 3:5–6
“For this they willingly are ignorant of,
that by the word of God the heavens were of old,
and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished.”
The flood is proof that God judges.
Then Peter says:
2 Peter 3:7
“But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store,
reserved unto fire against the day of judgment
and perdition of ungodly men.”
The first world was judged by water.
The present world is reserved for fire.
Noah’s flood is a warning of final judgment.
God did not only warn Noah of judgment. God gave Noah the way of salvation.
Genesis 6:14
“Make thee an ark of gopher wood;
rooms shalt thou make in the ark,
and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.”
God gave the command.
The ark was not Noah’s idea.
The ark was God’s provision.
God gave details.
Genesis 6:15–16
“And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of:
The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits,
the breadth of it fifty cubits,
and the height of it thirty cubits.
A window shalt thou make to the ark,
and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above;
and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof;
with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.”
God gave dimensions.
God gave structure.
God gave the door.
God gave the means of safety.
Salvation is always God’s way, not man’s invention.
Noah could not say, “I prefer a tower.”
He could not say, “I will build a boat my way.”
He could not say, “I will climb a mountain instead.”
He could not say, “All paths are safe.”
There was one ark.
That ark points us to Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the one way of salvation.
John 14:6
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Peter preached:
Acts 4:12
“Neither is there salvation in any other:
for there is none other name under heaven given among men,
whereby we must be saved.”
There was one ark in Noah’s day.
There is one Saviour now.
The ark had one door.
Jesus said:
John 10:9
“I am the door:
by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved,
and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”
Noah had to enter the ark.
Sinners must come to Christ.
Knowing about the ark was not enough.
Admiring the ark was not enough.
Standing near the ark was not enough.
Helping build the ark from outside would not save if a person did not enter.
You must be in Christ.
Romans 8:1
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus…”
Safety is in Christ.
After God gave the command, Scripture says:
Genesis 6:22
“Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.”
This is one of the greatest obedience verses in the Bible.
Noah did not obey partly.
Noah did not improve the design.
Noah did not argue with the dimensions.
Noah did not delay until rain started.
Noah did according to all that God commanded.
Again:
Genesis 7:5
“And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him.”
True faith obeys.
James says:
James 2:17
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”
Noah’s faith had works. He built.
Every plank was faith.
Every nail was faith.
Every day of building was faith.
Every act of obedience was a testimony.
Noah preached not only with words, but with his obedience.
Peter calls Noah a preacher of righteousness.
2 Peter 2:5
“And spared not the old world,
but saved Noah the eighth person,
a preacher of righteousness,
bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly.”
Noah preached righteousness in an ungodly world.
His message was not popular.
His message was not accepted by the majority.
His message was not comfortable.
But it was true.
A preacher’s duty is not to be popular. It is to be faithful.
Paul says:
2 Timothy 4:2–4
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season;
reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine;
but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth,
and shall be turned unto fables.”
Noah preached in a generation that would not listen.
But Noah obeyed.
God told Noah:
Genesis 7:1
“And the LORD said unto Noah,
Come thou and all thy house into the ark;
for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.”
Notice the word:
“Come.”
God does not merely say, “Go into the ark.”
He says, “Come thou… into the ark.”
That suggests God is the One inviting Noah into safety.
The gospel call is also “come.”
Isaiah 55:1
“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters…”
Jesus said:
Matthew 11:28
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.”
Revelation says:
Revelation 22:17
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.
And let him that heareth say, Come.
And let him that is athirst come.
And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
God called Noah and his house into the ark.
Genesis says:
Genesis 7:7
“And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him,
into the ark, because of the waters of the flood.”
Noah’s family entered with him.
This is a powerful encouragement to pray for households.
God saves individuals, but He often works in families.
Paul told the Philippian jailer:
Acts 16:31
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”
This does not mean children are saved automatically without faith. But it shows the mercy of God reaching households.
Noah’s faith affected his family.
Fathers and mothers, your faith matters.
Your obedience matters.
Your prayers matter.
Your fear of God matters.
Your ark-building matters.
You cannot force your family into Christ, but you can lead them to the door.
One of the most powerful verses in the Noah story is this:
Genesis 7:16
“And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh,
as God had commanded him:
and the LORD shut him in.”
The Lord shut him in.
Noah did not shut the door.
The Lord shut the door.
This means safety was in God’s hand.
God sealed Noah in the ark.
God secured him.
God protected him from the flood.
God closed the door before judgment fell.
There is comfort here.
Those who are in Christ are kept by God.
1 Peter 1:5
“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation
ready to be revealed in the last time.”
Jesus said:
John 10:27–29
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
And I give unto them eternal life;
and they shall never perish,
neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all;
and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.”
The Lord shuts His people in.
But there is also warning.
When God shut the door, the opportunity to enter was over.
Before the door shut, men could enter.
After the door shut, no one outside could come in.
This reminds us of Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins.
Matthew 25:10–13
“And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came;
and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage:
and the door was shut.
Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour
wherein the Son of man cometh.”
There is a day when the door shuts.
Do not delay repentance.
2 Corinthians 6:2
“Behold, now is the accepted time;
behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Genesis says:
Genesis 7:10–12
“And it came to pass after seven days,
that the waters of the flood were upon the earth.
In the six hundredth year of Noah's life,
in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month,
the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up,
and the windows of heaven were opened.
And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights.”
The judgment came.
Not when men expected it.
Not when they wanted it.
But when God appointed it.
Jesus said:
Matthew 24:38–39
“For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage,
until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away;
so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”
Eating and drinking are not sinful by themselves.
Marrying and giving in marriage are not sinful by themselves.
The point is that life went on as normal while judgment approached.
They were occupied with ordinary life and ignored God’s warning.
They were not ready.
That is how many will be at the coming of Christ.
Working.
Buying.
Selling.
Eating.
Drinking.
Planning.
Laughing.
Scrolling.
Building.
Marrying.
Ignoring God.
Then judgment comes.
Peter says:
2 Peter 3:10
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night;
in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise,
and the elements shall melt with fervent heat,
the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”
The flood came by water.
The day of the Lord will come with fire.
Therefore Peter asks:
2 Peter 3:11
“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved,
what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.”
Noah’s flood asks us: what kind of person should you be?
Genesis gives the terrible result.
Genesis 7:21–23
“And all flesh died that moved upon the earth,
both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth,
and every man:
All in whose nostrils was the breath of life,
of all that was in the dry land, died.
And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground,
both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven;
and they were destroyed from the earth:
and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.”
This is solemn.
Noah only remained alive, and those with him in the ark.
The ark was not one good option among many. It was the only place of safety.
So it is with Christ.
1 John 5:11–12
“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life,
and this life is in his Son.
He that hath the Son hath life;
and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”
He that hath the Son hath life.
He that hath not the Son hath not life.
That is as clear as Noah’s ark.
In the ark: life.
Outside the ark: death.
In Christ: life.
Outside Christ: judgment.
This is not cruel. This is mercy plainly spoken.
If judgment is coming, the most loving thing to say is: enter the ark.
If Jesus is the only Saviour, the most loving thing to say is: come to Christ.
After the flood covered the earth, Genesis says:
Genesis 8:1
“And God remembered Noah,
and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark:
and God made a wind to pass over the earth,
and the waters asswaged.”
“God remembered Noah.”
This does not mean God had forgotten and then suddenly recalled. In Scripture, when God “remembers,” it means He acts in covenant faithfulness.
God remembered Noah and began to bring him through.
God remembers His people.
Psalm 105:8
“He hath remembered his covenant for ever,
the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.”
The ark did not float because Noah was skilled enough to control it. The ark had no rudder described. Noah was carried by God.
There are seasons when the believer cannot steer the storm.
You are shut in.
The flood is around you.
The old world is gone.
You cannot see land.
You wait.
But God remembers.
Isaiah 49:15–16
“Can a woman forget her sucking child,
that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb?
yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.
Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands…”
God does not forget His people.
The flood did not end in one day.
There was rain for forty days and nights.
The waters prevailed.
The ark rested.
The waters decreased.
Noah sent birds.
He waited.
He sent again.
He waited again.
He did not rush out.
Genesis says:
Genesis 8:6–12
“And it came to pass at the end of forty days,
that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made:
And he sent forth a raven…
Also he sent forth a dove from him,
to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground…
But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot,
and she returned unto him into the ark…
And he stayed yet other seven days;
and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark;
And the dove came in to him in the evening;
and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off…
And he stayed yet other seven days;
and sent forth the dove;
which returned not again unto him any more.”
Noah waited.
Even after the earth began drying, Noah waited for God’s command.
Genesis 8:15–17
“And God spake unto Noah, saying,
Go forth of the ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons' wives with thee.
Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee…”
Noah entered when God said enter.
Noah exited when God said go forth.
Faith is not only moving when God says move.
Faith is also waiting when God says wait.
Psalm 27:14
“Wait on the LORD:
be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart:
wait, I say, on the LORD.”
The ark teaches patience.
When Noah came out of the ark, the first recorded thing he built was not a house.
It was an altar.
Genesis 8:20
“And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD;
and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl,
and offered burnt offerings on the altar.”
Noah worshipped.
After judgment, he worshipped.
After deliverance, he worshipped.
After the flood, he worshipped.
After stepping into a new world, he worshipped.
This is the right response to salvation.
The first priority after deliverance is not self-celebration, but worship.
God smelled a sweet savour.
Genesis 8:21
“And the LORD smelled a sweet savour;
and the LORD said in his heart,
I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake;
for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth;
neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.”
The burnt offering points forward to Christ, the offering accepted by God.
Paul says:
Ephesians 5:2
“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us,
and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”
Noah’s sacrifice was accepted because it pointed to God’s appointed way of worship and ultimately to Christ.
We come to God through the sacrifice of Jesus.
Hebrews 10:19–22
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
By a new and living way…
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…”
Noah came out and worshipped.
The saved life should be an altar life.
After the flood, God blessed Noah and his sons.
Genesis 9:1
“And God blessed Noah and his sons,
and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.”
This echoes the blessing given to Adam.
God was giving a renewed world after judgment.
Then God established a covenant.
Genesis 9:8–11
“And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying,
And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you;
And with every living creature that is with you…
And I will establish my covenant with you;
neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood;
neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.”
God’s covenant was not only with Noah but with his seed and living creatures.
Then God gave a sign.
Genesis 9:12–15
“And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you
and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:
I do set my bow in the cloud,
and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth,
that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
And I will remember my covenant…”
The rainbow is not first a symbol of man’s pride, man’s identity, or man’s rebellion.
It is God’s covenant sign.
It belongs to God’s mercy after judgment.
Every rainbow testifies:
God judged the earth by water.
God saved Noah by grace.
God made covenant.
God remembers His promise.
God is merciful.
The rainbow appears again around God’s throne.
Revelation 4:3
“And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone:
and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.”
The rainbow belongs around the throne.
Mercy surrounds the throne of God.
After the flood, God gave man permission to eat meat but forbade blood.
Genesis 9:3–4
“Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you;
even as the green herb have I given you all things.
But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.”
Then God speaks of human blood.
Genesis 9:5–6
“And surely your blood of your lives will I require;
at the hand of every beast will I require it,
and at the hand of man;
at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.
Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed:
for in the image of God made he man.”
This is important in Noah’s story.
God teaches that life is sacred after a world of violence has been judged.
The world before the flood was filled with violence. After the flood, God clearly declares the sacredness of human life.
Man is made in God’s image.
Bloodshed is accountable before God.
Life belongs to the Lord.
This prepares us for later Scripture.
Leviticus 17:11
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood:
and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls:
for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.”
And ultimately it points to the blood of Christ.
1 Peter 1:18–19
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold…
But with the precious blood of Christ,
as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
Noah’s world was judged for violence.
Christ’s blood brings peace.
Colossians 1:20
“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross,
by him to reconcile all things unto himself…”
Noah was a righteous man, but Noah was not sinless.
After the flood, Scripture records a painful event.
Genesis 9:20–21
“And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard:
And he drank of the wine, and was drunken;
and he was uncovered within his tent.”
This is a sober warning.
The man who survived the flood still had to battle sin.
The man who built the ark still needed holiness.
The man who found grace still could fall into shame.
Salvation from judgment does not mean we are beyond temptation.
Paul warns:
1 Corinthians 10:12
“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”
Drunkenness is condemned in Scripture.
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging:
and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
Ephesians 5:18
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess;
but be filled with the Spirit.”
Noah’s fall also led to family shame and sin.
Genesis 9:22
“And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father,
and told his two brethren without.”
Shem and Japheth acted more honourably.
Genesis 9:23
“And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders,
and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father;
and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness.”
This scene teaches several things.
First, even great saints can fall.
Second, drunkenness brings shame.
Third, family dishonour is serious.
Fourth, love covers shame rightly, without participating in sin.
Peter says:
1 Peter 4:8
“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves:
for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
This does not mean hiding crime or excusing evil. It means love does not delight in exposing shame.
Noah’s fall reminds us that we need a better Saviour than Noah.
Noah was righteous, but he sinned.
Jesus is righteous and never sinned.
Hebrews 4:15
“But was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
Noah could build an ark, but he could not be the perfect Saviour.
Jesus alone is the sinless Saviour.
Ezekiel names Noah with Daniel and Job.
Ezekiel 14:14
“Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it,
they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness,
saith the Lord GOD.”
Again:
Ezekiel 14:20
“Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it,
as I live, saith the Lord GOD,
they shall deliver neither son nor daughter;
they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.”
Noah was remembered as righteous.
But Ezekiel’s point is also sobering: in a day of severe judgment, even the presence of righteous men would not save an unrepentant nation.
A righteous father cannot repent for his unbelieving son.
A righteous mother cannot believe for her unbelieving daughter.
A righteous preacher cannot obey for a rebellious congregation.
Each soul must come to God.
Ezekiel 18:20
“The soul that sinneth, it shall die.”
But the invitation is given:
Ezekiel 18:30–32
“Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions;
so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed;
and make you a new heart and a new spirit:
for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD:
wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.”
Noah’s righteousness testified against his generation, but every person still had to respond to God’s warning.
Peter connects Noah’s flood to baptism.
1 Peter 3:18–22
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins,
the just for the unjust,
that he might bring us to God,
being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
Which sometime were disobedient,
when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah,
while the ark was a preparing,
wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us
(not the putting away of the filth of the flesh,
but the answer of a good conscience toward God,)
by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God;
angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.”
This is a deep passage.
Peter says eight souls were saved by water.
The same water that judged the world lifted the ark.
The flood separated Noah from the old world of corruption.
Baptism is the answer of a good conscience toward God, not merely washing dirt from the body. It points to union with Christ in death and resurrection.
Paul says:
Romans 6:3–4
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:
that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father,
even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
The ark points to Christ.
The flood points to judgment.
Passing through points to leaving the old world.
Baptism points to union with the crucified and risen Christ.
Peter is clear: the power is not physical water removing dirt. The power is Christ’s resurrection and the good conscience toward God.
Noah points to Jesus in many ways.
Genesis 6:8
“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”
John 1:17
“For the law was given by Moses,
but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”
Genesis 6:9
“Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations…”
1 Peter 2:22
“Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.”
Genesis 7:1
“Come thou and all thy house into the ark…”
John 10:9
“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved…”
Noah was carried through the flood inside the ark.
Jesus was overwhelmed by judgment on the cross for sinners.
Isaiah 53:5–6
“But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him;
and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned every one to his own way;
and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Genesis 8:20
“And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD…”
Hebrews 10:12
“But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever,
sat down on the right hand of God.”
Genesis 9:11
“And I will establish my covenant with you…”
Matthew 26:28
“For this is my blood of the new testament,
which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
Noah points forward.
Jesus fulfils.
Jesus says the last days will resemble Noah’s days.
Matthew 24:37–42
“But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage,
until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away;
so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Watch therefore:
for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”
Jesus’ command is:
Watch.
Noah’s generation was not watching.
They were not ready.
They ignored the warning.
Jesus says do not be like them.
Peter says the day of the Lord will come.
2 Peter 3:10–14
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night…
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved,
what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God…
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth,
wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things,
be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace,
without spot, and blameless.”
Noah’s flood teaches us:
Judgment is real.
The world can be blind.
God is patient.
The door is open for a time.
The door will shut.
Only those in the ark are safe.
The gospel teaches us:
Christ is the ark.
Come to Him now.
Genesis 6:5
“And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth…”
Nothing is hidden from God.
Genesis 6:6
“And it grieved him at his heart.”
Sin is not small.
Genesis 6:8
“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”
If grace does not find us, judgment will.
Hebrews 11:7
“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet…”
Faith believes God’s Word.
Genesis 6:22
“Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.”
Faith builds.
John 10:9
“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved…”
There is one door of salvation.
Genesis 7:16
“And the LORD shut him in.”
Now is the time to enter.
Genesis 8:1
“And God remembered Noah…”
The storm does not mean God forgot.
Genesis 8:20
“And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD…”
The saved heart worships.
Genesis 9:13
“I do set my bow in the cloud…”
The rainbow testifies that God remembers His covenant.
Genesis 9:21
“And he drank of the wine, and was drunken…”
Noah’s fall warns us against spiritual pride.
Matthew 11:28
“Come unto me… and I will give you rest.”
Noah’s name points to comfort.
Jesus gives final rest.
Noah lived in a wicked generation.
Noah found grace.
Noah believed God.
Noah prepared an ark.
Noah preached righteousness.
Noah entered with his household.
God shut him in.
The flood came.
The world perished.
God remembered Noah.
Noah worshipped.
God made covenant.
The rainbow testified of mercy after judgment.
But Noah is not the end of the story.
Noah points to Christ.
Jesus is the true Ark.
Jesus is the true Rest.
Jesus is the true Righteous One.
Jesus is the true Sacrifice.
Jesus is the Mediator of the new covenant.
Jesus is the only door of salvation.
The flood of final judgment is coming, not by water, but by fire.
2 Peter 3:7
“But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store,
reserved unto fire against the day of judgment
and perdition of ungodly men.”
But the door is open now.
Jesus says:
John 10:9
“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved…”
So enter the ark.
Do not stand outside admiring Jesus.
Do not stand outside talking about religion.
Do not stand outside saying, “I will enter later.”
Do not stand outside trusting the crowd.
Do not stand outside mocking judgment.
Do not stand outside distracted by eating, drinking, marrying, buying, selling, and living as though God has not spoken.
Come into Christ.
Romans 8:1
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus…”
In Christ, there is no condemnation.
Outside Christ, judgment remains.
John 3:36
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life:
and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life;
but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
Noah’s sermon is simple:
Judgment is coming.
Grace is available.
The ark is provided.
Enter while the door is open.
And for those already in Christ:
Walk with God.
Obey His Word.
Preach righteousness.
Build faithfully.
Lead your household.
Wait through the storm.
Worship after deliverance.
Remember the covenant.
Stay watchful.
Look for the coming of the Son of man.
Matthew 24:42
“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”
Father, we thank You for the testimony of Noah.
We thank You that in a wicked and violent generation, Noah found grace in Your eyes.
We thank You that he walked with You, believed Your warning, obeyed Your command, and prepared the ark by faith.
Lord, teach us to walk with You in our generation.
Keep us from the corruption of this world.
Keep us from violence, unbelief, pride, and careless living.
Teach us to believe Your warnings.
Teach us to obey before judgment comes.
Teach us to lead our households toward salvation.
Thank You for Jesus Christ, the greater Ark and the true Rest for our souls.
Thank You that all who enter Christ are safe from condemnation.
Thank You for His blood, His cross, His resurrection, and His covenant mercy.
Lord, if anyone is still outside the ark, call them today.
Bring them to Jesus.
Open their eyes before the door shuts.
Save them by grace through faith.
And for those who are in Christ, help us live holy and watchful lives, knowing that as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be at the coming of the Son of man.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main Scriptures: Daniel 1–4, 2 Kings 24–25, Jeremiah 25, Jeremiah 27, Revelation 19
Main theme: Nebuchadnezzar teaches us that God rules over kings and kingdoms, uses even pagan rulers for His purposes, judges pride, humbles the exalted, delivers His faithful servants, and reveals that all earthly empires must bow before the everlasting kingdom of God.
Nebuchadnezzar was one of the most powerful kings in ancient history.
He was king of Babylon.
He conquered nations.
He besieged Jerusalem.
He carried away the vessels of the temple.
He took captives from Judah.
He ruled an empire of wealth, splendour, and military strength.
He built great Babylon.
He commanded armies.
He could promote men or kill men.
He could raise up golden images and demand worship.
He could cast men into fire.
But Nebuchadnezzar had to learn something every king, every president, every ruler, every businessman, every proud sinner, and every human soul must learn:
The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men.
That phrase appears again and again in Daniel 4.
Daniel 4:17
“This matter is by the decree of the watchers,
and the demand by the word of the holy ones:
to the intent that the living may know
that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men,
and giveth it to whomsoever he will,
and setteth up over it the basest of men.”
Again:
Daniel 4:25
“Till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men,
and giveth it to whomsoever he will.”
Again:
Daniel 4:32
“Until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men,
and giveth it to whomsoever he will.”
This is the lesson of Nebuchadnezzar’s life.
God rules.
Not Babylon.
Not Nebuchadnezzar.
Not armies.
Not idols.
Not astrologers.
Not magicians.
Not gold.
Not pride.
Not human glory.
God rules.
And if man will not humble himself before God, God is able to abase him.
Nebuchadnezzar himself finally confessed:
Daniel 4:37
“Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven,
all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment:
and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.”
That is the sermon in one sentence:
Those that walk in pride He is able to abase.
Nebuchadnezzar did not enter the Bible merely as a political figure. He appears as an instrument in the hand of God.
Judah had sinned against the Lord. The people had turned to idols, ignored the prophets, shed innocent blood, and profaned the temple. God had warned them again and again, but they would not listen.
Jeremiah said:
Jeremiah 25:4–7
“And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets,
rising early and sending them;
but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear.
They said, Turn ye again now every one from his evil way,
and from the evil of your doings,
and dwell in the land that the LORD hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever:
And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them,
and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands;
and I will do you no hurt.
Yet ye have not hearkened unto me, saith the LORD;
that ye might provoke me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt.”
Because they refused to listen, judgment came.
God said:
Jeremiah 25:8–9
“Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts;
Because ye have not heard my words,
Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD,
and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant,
and will bring them against this land,
and against the inhabitants thereof,
and against all these nations round about,
and will utterly destroy them…”
Notice what God calls Nebuchadnezzar:
“My servant.”
Nebuchadnezzar was not a godly man at this stage. He was a pagan king. Yet God called him “my servant” in the sense that God used him to accomplish divine judgment.
This teaches us that God can use even ungodly rulers to accomplish His purposes.
Nebuchadnezzar thought he was building his own empire.
But God was fulfilling His own word.
Nebuchadnezzar thought he conquered by his own might.
But God was judging Judah according to His righteousness.
The book of Daniel opens this way:
Daniel 1:1–2
“In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem,
and besieged it.
And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand,
with part of the vessels of the house of God:
which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god;
and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.”
Nebuchadnezzar came.
Nebuchadnezzar besieged.
Nebuchadnezzar carried away vessels.
But the verse says:
“And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand.”
That is the key.
Babylon was powerful, but Babylon was not ultimate.
Nebuchadnezzar was mighty, but Nebuchadnezzar was not sovereign.
The Lord gave.
Daniel understood this.
Later Daniel prayed:
Daniel 2:20–21
“Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever:
for wisdom and might are his:
And he changeth the times and the seasons:
he removeth kings, and setteth up kings:
he giveth wisdom unto the wise,
and knowledge to them that know understanding.”
God removes kings.
God sets up kings.
God changes times and seasons.
That means the rise of Nebuchadnezzar was not outside God’s rule.
Nebuchadnezzar carried the vessels of the house of God into Babylon.
Daniel 1:2
“And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand,
with part of the vessels of the house of God:
which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god;
and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.”
To the natural eye, it looked like Babylon’s gods had defeated the God of Israel.
The temple vessels were in Babylon.
Jerusalem was humiliated.
Daniel and his friends were captives.
The king of Babylon looked supreme.
But appearances lie.
God had not been defeated.
God had judged His own people.
God had allowed the vessels to be taken.
God was still ruling.
This is important in times of confusion.
When evil seems to win, God is still ruling.
When His people are disciplined, God is still ruling.
When the temple is profaned, God is still ruling.
When Babylon rises, God is still ruling.
Psalm 115 says:
Psalm 115:3
“But our God is in the heavens:
he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.”
Nebuchadnezzar could carry vessels into Babylon, but he could not carry God captive.
The God of Israel is not contained in vessels.
Solomon had prayed:
1 Kings 8:27
“But will God indeed dwell on the earth?
behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee;
how much less this house that I have builded?”
God cannot be captured.
Man can burn a temple, but he cannot burn God’s throne.
Man can steal vessels, but he cannot steal God’s glory.
Man can mock holy things, but he cannot overthrow the Holy One.
Isaiah says:
Isaiah 46:9–10
“Remember the former things of old:
for I am God, and there is none else;
I am God, and there is none like me,
Declaring the end from the beginning,
and from ancient times the things that are not yet done,
saying, My counsel shall stand,
and I will do all my pleasure.”
Nebuchadnezzar’s empire was strong, but God’s counsel stands forever.
Nebuchadnezzar did not merely conquer bodies. Babylon wanted to reshape minds.
He ordered young men from Judah to be trained in Babylon.
Daniel 1:3–4
“And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs,
that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;
Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom,
and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science,
and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace,
and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.”
Babylon wanted their minds.
Babylon wanted their language.
Babylon wanted their education.
Babylon wanted their service.
Babylon wanted their identity.
Daniel and his friends were given Babylonian names.
Daniel 1:6–7
“Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names:
for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar;
and to Hananiah, of Shadrach;
and to Mishael, of Meshach;
and to Azariah, of Abednego.”
But Daniel purposed in his heart not to be defiled.
Daniel 1:8
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself
with the portion of the king's meat,
nor with the wine which he drank:
therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs
that he might not defile himself.”
This is the first great clash between Babylon and God’s people.
Babylon says: eat from the king’s table.
Daniel says: I will not defile myself.
Babylon says: let us rename you.
Daniel says: my heart still belongs to God.
Babylon says: let us shape your identity.
Daniel says: I will serve faithfully, but I will not be defiled.
This matters today.
The world still tries to rename God’s people.
The world still tries to educate believers into compromise.
The world still offers a table of defilement.
The world still says, “Fit in, bow down, eat what we give you, think how we teach you, speak our language, worship our values.”
But the believer must say:
Romans 12:2
“And be not conformed to this world:
but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Daniel lived in Babylon, but Babylon did not live in Daniel.
In Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that troubled him.
Daniel 2:1
“And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar
Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams,
wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.”
The king demanded that the wise men tell him both the dream and the interpretation. They could not.
Daniel 2:10–11
“The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said,
There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter:
therefore there is no king, lord, nor ruler,
that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean.
And it is a rare thing that the king requireth,
and there is none other that can shew it before the king,
except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.”
They admitted human wisdom could not reveal the secret.
But Daniel sought the Lord.
Daniel 2:17–18
“Then Daniel went to his house,
and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:
That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret;
that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.”
God revealed the secret.
Daniel praised God:
Daniel 2:20–23
“Daniel answered and said,
Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever:
for wisdom and might are his:
And he changeth the times and the seasons:
he removeth kings, and setteth up kings:
he giveth wisdom unto the wise,
and knowledge to them that know understanding:
He revealeth the deep and secret things:
he knoweth what is in the darkness,
and the light dwelleth with him.
I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers,
who hast given me wisdom and might,
and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee.”
When Daniel stood before Nebuchadnezzar, he did not glorify himself.
Daniel 2:27–28
“Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said,
The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers,
shew unto the king;
But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets…”
Daniel’s message to the king was clear:
There is a God in heaven.
Nebuchadnezzar saw an image with a head of gold, chest and arms of silver, belly and thighs of brass, legs of iron, and feet of iron and clay.
Daniel said to the king:
Daniel 2:37–38
“Thou, O king, art a king of kings:
for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.
And wheresoever the children of men dwell,
the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand,
and hath made thee ruler over them all.
Thou art this head of gold.”
Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar the truth:
“You are great, but God gave you the kingdom.”
Then Daniel says:
Daniel 2:39
“And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee…”
Those words should humble every empire:
“After thee.”
Babylon would not last forever.
Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom was the head of gold, but it was temporary. Other kingdoms would arise. Human empires rise and fall.
Then Daniel reveals the kingdom that will never fall.
Daniel 2:34–35
“Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands,
which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay,
and brake them to pieces.
Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together…
and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain,
and filled the whole earth.”
Daniel explains:
Daniel 2:44
“And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom,
which shall never be destroyed:
and the kingdom shall not be left to other people,
but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms,
and it shall stand for ever.”
This is the great contrast:
Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom falls.
God’s kingdom stands forever.
Babylon falls.
Medo-Persia falls.
Greece falls.
Rome falls.
All earthly kingdoms fall.
But the kingdom of God shall never be destroyed.
Jesus preached this kingdom.
Mark 1:14–15
“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand:
repent ye, and believe the gospel.”
Jesus is the King of that everlasting kingdom.
Luke 1:32–33
“He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest:
and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever;
and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”
Nebuchadnezzar was shown from the beginning that his glory was temporary.
After Daniel interpreted the dream, Nebuchadnezzar was amazed.
Daniel 2:46–47
“Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face,
and worshipped Daniel,
and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him.
The king answered unto Daniel, and said,
Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods,
and a Lord of kings,
and a revealer of secrets,
seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.”
Nebuchadnezzar confessed a truth:
“Your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings.”
But he still did not understand true worship.
He fell before Daniel. He honoured the servant wrongly instead of truly surrendering to the God of the servant.
This is a danger.
A man can be impressed by God without being humbled by God.
A man can acknowledge God’s power without submitting to God’s rule.
A man can use religious words and still remain proud.
A man can say, “Your God is great,” but not yet say, “My God is Lord.”
Nebuchadnezzar was moved, but not fully broken.
James says:
James 2:19
“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well:
the devils also believe, and tremble.”
Acknowledging that God is powerful is not the same as bowing in repentant faith.
Nebuchadnezzar had seen God reveal mysteries, but pride still lived in him.
In Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar was told he was the head of gold.
In Daniel 3, he made an image of gold.
Daniel 3:1
“Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold,
whose height was threescore cubits,
and the breadth thereof six cubits:
he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.”
We cannot be certain exactly what the image looked like, but the spiritual lesson is clear.
God had shown Nebuchadnezzar that his kingdom was temporary.
Nebuchadnezzar responded by setting up a golden image and demanding worship.
Pride takes revelation and twists it into self-glory.
Then came the command:
Daniel 3:4–6
“Then an herald cried aloud,
To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,
That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer,
and all kinds of musick,
ye fall down and worship the golden image
that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:
And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth
shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”
This is false worship enforced by the state.
Music played.
Crowds bowed.
Fear ruled.
The furnace threatened.
Babylon said: bow or burn.
This is the spirit of idolatry.
Idolatry does not merely say, “Worship my god.”
It also says, “If you do not worship, you will suffer.”
But Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would not bow.
They were accused before the king.
Daniel 3:12
“There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon,
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego;
these men, O king, have not regarded thee:
they serve not thy gods,
nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”
Nebuchadnezzar became furious.
Daniel 3:13
“Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded
to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
Then they brought these men before the king.”
Pride cannot tolerate disobedience.
Then Nebuchadnezzar gave them another chance and said:
Daniel 3:15
“Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer,
and all kinds of musick,
ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well:
but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace;
and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?”
“Who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?”
That is the language of proud defiance.
Pharaoh had once said:
Exodus 5:2
“Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go?
I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.”
Nebuchadnezzar spoke in the same spirit.
But God was about to answer.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered with courage.
Daniel 3:16–18
“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king,
O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace,
and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
But if not, be it known unto thee, O king,
that we will not serve thy gods,
nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”
This is one of the greatest statements of faith in Scripture.
God is able.
God can deliver.
But if not, we will not bow.
Their faith was not conditional on rescue.
They did not say, “We will serve God if He keeps us from suffering.”
They said, “Even if we burn, we will not worship your image.”
This is true faith.
True faith says:
God can heal, but if not, I will not deny Him.
God can deliver, but if not, I will not bow.
God can open the door, but if not, I will remain faithful.
God can save me from the furnace, but if He chooses to meet me in the furnace, He is still God.
Jesus said:
Matthew 10:28
“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul:
but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
The three Hebrews feared God more than the king.
Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury.
Daniel 3:19
“Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury,
and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego:
therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.”
The furnace was made hotter.
The men were bound.
They were cast in.
But then the king saw something.
Daniel 3:24–25
“Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied,
and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors,
Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?
They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.
He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose,
walking in the midst of the fire,
and they have no hurt;
and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
Three were thrown in.
Four were walking.
They were bound when they went in.
They were loose in the fire.
The fire burned their bonds but did not destroy them.
Nebuchadnezzar saw a fourth like the Son of God.
Whether this was a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ or an angelic messenger, the meaning is clear: God was with His servants in the fire.
God did not keep them from the furnace.
God met them in the furnace.
Isaiah had promised:
Isaiah 43:2
“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee;
and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:
when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned;
neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”
The believer may face fire, but God is present.
Nebuchadnezzar called them out.
Daniel 3:26
“Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace,
and spake, and said,
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God,
come forth, and come hither.”
Now the proud king calls them servants of the Most High God.
Their bodies were unharmed.
Daniel 3:27
“And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors,
being gathered together, saw these men,
upon whose bodies the fire had no power,
nor was an hair of their head singed,
neither were their coats changed,
nor the smell of fire had passed on them.”
The fire had no power over them.
Nebuchadnezzar confessed:
Daniel 3:28–29
“Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said,
Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,
who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him,
and have changed the king's word,
and yielded their bodies,
that they might not serve nor worship any god,
except their own God.
Therefore I make a decree,
That every people, nation, and language,
which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,
shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill:
because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.”
Nebuchadnezzar saw God’s delivering power. But even here, his response still sounds like a Babylonian king. He praises God, but threatens people with violence. He sees truth, but still rules through terror.
God was working on him, but pride was not yet fully broken.
Daniel 4 is extraordinary because Nebuchadnezzar himself speaks in the first person and tells what God did to humble him.
He begins with praise:
Daniel 4:1–3
“Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth;
Peace be multiplied unto you.
I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders
that the high God hath wrought toward me.
How great are his signs!
and how mighty are his wonders!
his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and his dominion is from generation to generation.”
This is a very different tone.
He speaks of the high God.
He says God’s kingdom is everlasting.
He says God’s dominion is from generation to generation.
Then he explains how it happened.
He was at rest in his house.
Daniel 4:4–5
“I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house,
and flourishing in my palace:
I saw a dream which made me afraid,
and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.”
The king who terrified others was himself terrified by a dream.
He called the magicians and astrologers, but they could not interpret it.
Finally Daniel came.
Nebuchadnezzar describes the dream:
Daniel 4:10–12
“Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed;
I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth,
and the height thereof was great.
The tree grew, and was strong,
and the height thereof reached unto heaven,
and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:
The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much,
and in it was meat for all:
the beasts of the field had shadow under it,
and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof,
and all flesh was fed of it.”
This tree was great, visible, strong, and fruitful.
Then came the decree:
Daniel 4:13–16
“I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed,
and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;
He cried aloud, and said thus,
Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches,
shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit:
let the beasts get away from under it,
and the fowls from his branches:
Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth,
even with a band of iron and brass,
in the tender grass of the field;
and let it be wet with the dew of heaven,
and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth:
Let his heart be changed from man's,
and let a beast's heart be given unto him;
and let seven times pass over him.”
Then the purpose:
Daniel 4:17
“This matter is by the decree of the watchers,
and the demand by the word of the holy ones:
to the intent that the living may know
that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men,
and giveth it to whomsoever he will,
and setteth up over it the basest of men.”
God’s purpose was not hidden:
That the living may know the Most High rules.
Daniel was troubled by the dream.
Daniel 4:19
“Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour,
and his thoughts troubled him.
The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar,
let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee.
Belteshazzar answered and said,
My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee,
and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.”
Daniel did not enjoy the king’s coming humiliation.
A true man of God does not take fleshly pleasure in judgment. He warns with seriousness.
Daniel explained:
Daniel 4:20–22
“The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong,
whose height reached unto the heaven,
and the sight thereof to all the earth;
Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much,
and in it was meat for all;
under which the beasts of the field dwelt,
and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:
It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong:
for thy greatness is grown,
and reacheth unto heaven,
and thy dominion to the end of the earth.”
“It is thou, O king.”
The tree was Nebuchadnezzar.
Then Daniel declared the judgment:
Daniel 4:24–26
“This is the interpretation, O king,
and this is the decree of the most High,
which is come upon my lord the king:
That they shall drive thee from men,
and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field,
and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen,
and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven,
and seven times shall pass over thee,
till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men,
and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots;
thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee,
after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.”
“Till thou know.”
The judgment had a purpose: to bring the king to knowledge of God’s rule.
Then Daniel gave counsel:
Daniel 4:27
“Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee,
and break off thy sins by righteousness,
and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor;
if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.”
Daniel called Nebuchadnezzar to repentance.
Break off thy sins by righteousness.
Break off thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor.
This is important.
Daniel did not say, “You are a king, so you do not need to repent.”
He did not say, “You are too powerful to be judged.”
He did not say, “Just be religious.”
He said, “Break off thy sins.”
True repentance includes turning from sin.
Isaiah says:
Isaiah 55:6–7
“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found,
call ye upon him while he is near:
Let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts:
and let him return unto the LORD,
and he will have mercy upon him;
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”
Nebuchadnezzar was warned. He was given time.
God’s warnings are mercy.
Twelve months passed.
Daniel 4:28–29
“All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.
At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.”
For twelve months, the warning stood.
God was patient.
But then Nebuchadnezzar spoke in pride.
Daniel 4:30
“The king spake, and said,
Is not this great Babylon,
that I have built for the house of the kingdom
by the might of my power,
and for the honour of my majesty?”
Listen to the language:
My power.
My majesty.
I have built.
Great Babylon.
Pride speaks like this.
Pride forgets God.
Pride claims God’s gifts as self-made glory.
Pride sees no need for mercy.
Pride looks at the palace and says, “Look what I have done.”
But Scripture says:
1 Corinthians 4:7
“For who maketh thee to differ from another?
and what hast thou that thou didst not receive?
now if thou didst receive it,
why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?”
Everything Nebuchadnezzar had was received.
His breath was from God.
His mind was from God.
His throne was allowed by God.
His empire was under God.
His power was temporary.
But pride forgets.
Moses warned Israel about this:
Deuteronomy 8:17–18
“And thou say in thine heart,
My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.
But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God:
for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth…”
Nebuchadnezzar did not remember.
So judgment fell immediately.
Daniel 4:31–32
“While the word was in the king's mouth,
there fell a voice from heaven, saying,
O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken;
The kingdom is departed from thee.
And they shall drive thee from men,
and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field:
they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen,
and seven times shall pass over thee,
until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men,
and giveth it to whomsoever he will.”
While the word was in his mouth, judgment came.
God did not wait for the sentence to finish.
The same hour it was fulfilled.
Daniel 4:33
“The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar:
and he was driven from men,
and did eat grass as oxen,
and his body was wet with the dew of heaven,
till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers,
and his nails like birds' claws.”
The king became like a beast.
This is powerful.
When man refuses to honour God, he does not become more glorious. He becomes beast-like.
Romans 1 says that when men refuse to glorify God, they descend into darkness.
Romans 1:21–23
“Because that, when they knew God,
they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful;
but became vain in their imaginations,
and their foolish heart was darkened.
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God
into an image made like to corruptible man,
and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.”
Nebuchadnezzar glorified himself and was humbled to the level of beasts.
Pride dehumanises.
Sin degrades.
Idolatry lowers man.
Only worship of God restores man to sanity.
The turning point came when Nebuchadnezzar lifted his eyes to heaven.
Daniel 4:34
“And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven,
and mine understanding returned unto me,
and I blessed the most High,
and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever,
whose dominion is an everlasting dominion,
and his kingdom is from generation to generation.”
He lifted up his eyes.
Not to Babylon.
Not to his palace.
Not to himself.
Not to idols.
To heaven.
Then his understanding returned.
Sin is madness.
Pride is madness.
Self-worship is madness.
True sanity begins when man looks up and blesses the Most High.
Nebuchadnezzar now praises God’s everlasting dominion.
Daniel 4:35
“And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing:
and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven,
and among the inhabitants of the earth:
and none can stay his hand,
or say unto him, What doest thou?”
This is one of the strongest statements of God’s sovereignty in the Bible.
God does according to His will in heaven and earth.
None can stop His hand.
None can put God on trial.
None can say, “What doest Thou?” as if God must answer to man.
Job learned this.
Job 42:1–6
“Then Job answered the LORD, and said,
I know that thou canst do every thing,
and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge?
therefore have I uttered that I understood not;
things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.
Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak:
I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear:
but now mine eye seeth thee.
Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
Nebuchadnezzar had to learn a similar lesson.
God is God.
Man is not.
After Nebuchadnezzar blessed God, his reason returned and his kingdom was restored.
Daniel 4:36
“At the same time my reason returned unto me;
and for the glory of my kingdom,
mine honour and brightness returned unto me;
and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me;
and I was established in my kingdom,
and excellent majesty was added unto me.”
God did not merely humble him. God restored him.
This shows that God’s humbling can be merciful.
There is a judgment that destroys.
There is also a humbling that saves a man from final destruction.
Better to be humbled and restored than proud and damned.
Jesus said:
Luke 14:11
“For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased;
and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
Again:
Matthew 23:12
“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased;
and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”
Peter says:
1 Peter 5:5–6
“God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God,
that he may exalt you in due time.”
Nebuchadnezzar was abased because he exalted himself.
When he lifted his eyes to heaven and praised God, he was restored.
Then came his final recorded confession:
Daniel 4:37
“Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven,
all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment:
and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.”
What a confession from the king of Babylon.
The king who once said, “Who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?” now says, “I praise and extol and honour the King of heaven.”
The king who once said, “My power, my majesty,” now says, “His works are truth, and His ways judgment.”
The king who once demanded worship now worships the King of heaven.
Was Nebuchadnezzar truly converted? Scripture does not give us every detail of his heart. We should not claim more than the Bible says. But Daniel 4 records a real and public confession of God’s sovereignty, truth, justice, and power to humble the proud.
And that confession stands as a warning to every proud heart.
Nebuchadnezzar was not a poor unknown man. He was not weak. He was not powerless.
He was the greatest king of his day.
But God humbled him.
This teaches us that no one is too high for God to bring low.
God can humble kings.
God can humble rulers.
God can humble nations.
God can humble businessmen.
God can humble religious leaders.
God can humble celebrities.
God can humble families.
God can humble churches.
God can humble proud sinners.
God can humble you and me.
Proverbs says:
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goeth before destruction,
and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
And:
Proverbs 29:23
“A man's pride shall bring him low:
but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.”
Isaiah says:
Isaiah 2:11–12
“The lofty looks of man shall be humbled,
and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down,
and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.
For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty,
and upon every one that is lifted up;
and he shall be brought low.”
The Lord alone will be exalted.
Nebuchadnezzar’s humiliation is a preview of the day when all human pride will fall.
Nebuchadnezzar was called a king of kings in Daniel 2, but only in an earthly and limited sense.
Daniel 2:37
“Thou, O king, art a king of kings:
for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.”
But Jesus is King of kings in the ultimate sense.
Revelation 19:11–16
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse;
and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True,
and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
His eyes were as a flame of fire,
and on his head were many crowns;
and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood:
and his name is called The Word of God…
And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written,
KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Nebuchadnezzar had one crown for a time.
Jesus has many crowns forever.
Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom was given to him.
Jesus’ kingdom is everlasting.
Nebuchadnezzar was humbled for pride.
Jesus humbled Himself in obedience.
Nebuchadnezzar exalted himself and became like a beast.
Jesus humbled Himself and was highly exalted.
Paul says of Jesus:
Philippians 2:5–11
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation,
and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man,
he humbled himself,
and became obedient unto death,
even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,
and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.”
This is the opposite of Nebuchadnezzar.
Nebuchadnezzar said, “My power, my majesty.”
Jesus made Himself of no reputation.
Nebuchadnezzar exalted himself and was brought low.
Jesus humbled Himself and was exalted.
The way up in God’s kingdom is down.
Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image in Daniel 3 also points forward to later biblical warnings about forced worship.
In Revelation, there is another image connected to beastly power and false worship.
Revelation 13:14–15
“And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth
by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast;
saying to them that dwell on the earth,
that they should make an image to the beast…
And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast,
that the image of the beast should both speak,
and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.”
Daniel 3 prepares us for Revelation 13.
A powerful ruler.
An image.
Forced worship.
Death for those who refuse.
The lesson is this: God’s people must be ready to refuse false worship at any cost.
The three Hebrews said:
Daniel 3:18
“We will not serve thy gods,
nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”
Revelation calls for endurance:
Revelation 14:12
“Here is the patience of the saints:
here are they that keep the commandments of God,
and the faith of Jesus.”
In every age, the world pressures believers to bow.
Bow to idols.
Bow to culture.
Bow to money.
Bow to fear.
Bow to government when it claims divine authority.
Bow to man’s image.
Bow to the beastly systems of this world.
But the people of God must say:
We will worship the Lord only.
Jesus said:
Matthew 4:10
“Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God,
and him only shalt thou serve.”
Nebuchadnezzar stood on his palace and looked at great Babylon.
He saw glory, power, wealth, beauty, walls, palaces, gardens, armies, officials, and honour.
But in a moment, he was driven from men.
This shows us how fragile human glory is.
Isaiah says:
Isaiah 40:6–8
“The voice said, Cry.
And he said, What shall I cry?
All flesh is grass,
and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth:
because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it:
surely the people is grass.
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth:
but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”
All flesh is grass.
Nebuchadnezzar’s glory was grass.
Babylon’s glory was grass.
Our glory is grass.
James says:
James 4:13–16
“Go to now, ye that say,
To day or to morrow we will go into such a city,
and continue there a year,
and buy and sell, and get gain:
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow.
For what is your life?
It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time,
and then vanisheth away.
For that ye ought to say,
If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
But now ye rejoice in your boastings:
all such rejoicing is evil.”
“What is your life?”
A vapour.
Nebuchadnezzar teaches us not to boast in tomorrow, riches, power, or self.
Say, “If the Lord will.”
Nebuchadnezzar was proud.
He was violent.
He was idolatrous.
He besieged Jerusalem.
He threatened the faithful.
He built an image.
He boasted in himself.
Yet God warned him.
God showed him dreams.
God placed Daniel near him.
God delivered the three Hebrews before his eyes.
God humbled him.
God restored him.
God brought praise from his mouth.
This shows that God’s mercy can reach very proud people.
Paul said:
1 Timothy 1:15–16
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy,
that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering,
for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.”
If God could show mercy to Saul of Tarsus, He can show mercy to persecutors.
If God could humble Nebuchadnezzar, He can humble proud kings.
If God could save Manasseh after terrible wickedness, He can save deeply guilty sinners.
Manasseh was a wicked king, but when he was afflicted, he humbled himself.
2 Chronicles 33:12–13
“And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God,
and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,
And prayed unto him:
and he was intreated of him,
and heard his supplication,
and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom.
Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God.”
That sounds like Nebuchadnezzar in some ways.
Affliction.
Humbling.
Prayer.
Restoration.
Knowledge that the Lord is God.
So do not say anyone is beyond God’s reach.
But also do not presume.
God’s mercy is real, but pride is dangerous.
Daniel 4:17
“The most High ruleth in the kingdom of men…”
No nation is outside God’s rule.
Jeremiah 25:9
“Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant…”
God’s sovereignty is greater than man’s intentions.
Daniel 2:37
“The God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.”
Whatever you have is received.
Daniel 2:39
“And after thee shall arise another kingdom…”
Every earthly empire has an “after thee.”
Daniel 2:44
“The God of heaven [shall] set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed…”
Build your hope on Christ’s kingdom, not man’s kingdom.
Daniel 3:18
“We will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image…”
Better the furnace than false worship.
Daniel 3:25
“Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire…”
God may not always keep us from fire, but He is with us in it.
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
Nebuchadnezzar proves this.
Daniel 4:34
“I lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me…”
Look up before it is too late.
Daniel 4:37
“Those that walk in pride he is able to abase.”
This is the final word from Nebuchadnezzar’s own mouth.
Nebuchadnezzar’s life is a warning and a mercy.
He was powerful, but God was more powerful.
He was king, but God was King of heaven.
He built Babylon, but God built history.
He commanded worship, but God alone deserves worship.
He threatened fire, but God walked with His servants in the fire.
He boasted in his majesty, but God took his reason.
He became like a beast, but God restored him when he lifted his eyes to heaven.
He learned that the Most High rules.
Do not wait until God has to humble you like Nebuchadnezzar.
Humble yourself now.
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,
and he shall lift you up.”
Do not say, “Is not this great Babylon that I have built?”
Say:
All I have is from God.
My breath is from God.
My mind is from God.
My strength is from God.
My time is from God.
My money is from God.
My family is from God.
My life is in God’s hand.
And come to the true King: Jesus Christ.
Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom fell.
Babylon fell.
But Jesus’ kingdom will never fall.
Revelation 11:15
“The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord,
and of his Christ;
and he shall reign for ever and ever.”
Jesus humbled Himself to save proud sinners.
Philippians 2:8–11
“And being found in fashion as a man,
he humbled himself,
and became obedient unto death,
even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him…
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.”
Every knee will bow.
Nebuchadnezzar had to bow.
Babylon had to bow.
Every king will bow.
Every nation will bow.
Every demon will bow.
Every sinner will bow.
The question is not whether you will bow.
The question is whether you will bow now in repentance and faith, or later in judgment.
Come to Christ now.
Acts 16:31
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…”
And if you belong to Christ, do not bow to Babylon’s idols.
Stand like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
Pray like Daniel.
Trust God in the fire.
Remember that the Most High rules.
Live for the kingdom that will never be destroyed.
Father, we thank You for the account of Nebuchadnezzar.
We thank You that Your Word shows us the danger of pride, the weakness of earthly power, and the certainty of Your rule over all kingdoms.
Lord, humble us before we must be humbled.
Remove pride from our hearts.
Forgive us for saying, “My power, my majesty, my kingdom.”
Teach us to say, “Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.”
Thank You for showing that You are with Your people in the fire.
Give us courage like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
Help us refuse idols even when the world threatens us.
Help us trust You whether You deliver us from the furnace or meet us in the furnace.
Thank You for Jesus Christ, the true King of kings and Lord of lords.
Thank You that His kingdom shall never be destroyed.
Thank You that He humbled Himself unto death, even the death of the cross, to save proud sinners like us.
May every hearer lift their eyes to heaven.
May every proud heart be broken.
May every sinner come to Christ.
May every believer live for the everlasting kingdom.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main Scripture: Job 5
Main theme: Job 5 contains words spoken by Eliphaz, one of Job’s friends. Some of his statements are true in themselves, but his application to Job was flawed. Therefore, we must read Job 5 with wisdom: receiving the biblical principles that agree with the whole counsel of Scripture, while remembering that Job’s friends did not understand Job’s suffering correctly.
Before we read Job chapter 5, we must remember who is speaking.
Job 5 is not spoken directly by God. It is spoken by Eliphaz the Temanite, one of Job’s friends.
Eliphaz says many things that sound wise. Some of them are repeated or confirmed elsewhere in Scripture. But Eliphaz also makes a wrong assumption. He assumes Job must be suffering because Job has sinned in some hidden way.
At the end of the book, God rebukes Job’s friends.
Job 42:7
“And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job,
the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite,
My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends:
for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.”
So we must be careful.
We can learn from Job 5, but we must not use it cruelly.
We must not become like Job’s friends, who used true ideas in the wrong way and wounded a suffering man.
The Bible says:
Proverbs 25:11
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”
But it also says:
Proverbs 12:18
“There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword:
but the tongue of the wise is health.”
Eliphaz spoke some truth, but he did not speak it with full understanding of Job’s situation.
So today, we will read Job 5 in full, and then draw out principles we can apply to ourselves with humility, care, and the fuller light of Jesus Christ.
Job 5:1–27
“Call now, if there be any that will answer thee;
and to which of the saints wilt thou turn?
For wrath killeth the foolish man,
and envy slayeth the silly one.
I have seen the foolish taking root:
but suddenly I cursed his habitation.
His children are far from safety,
and they are crushed in the gate,
neither is there any to deliver them.
Whose harvest the hungry eateth up,
and taketh it even out of the thorns,
and the robber swalloweth up their substance.
Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust,
neither doth trouble spring out of the ground;
Yet man is born unto trouble,
as the sparks fly upward.
I would seek unto God,
and unto God would I commit my cause:
Which doeth great things and unsearchable;
marvellous things without number:
Who giveth rain upon the earth,
and sendeth waters upon the fields:
To set up on high those that be low;
that those which mourn may be exalted to safety.
He disappointeth the devices of the crafty,
so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.
He taketh the wise in their own craftiness:
and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.
They meet with darkness in the daytime,
and grope in the noonday as in the night.
But he saveth the poor from the sword,
from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty.
So the poor hath hope,
and iniquity stoppeth her mouth.
Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth:
therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:
For he maketh sore, and bindeth up:
he woundeth, and his hands make whole.
He shall deliver thee in six troubles:
yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.
In famine he shall redeem thee from death:
and in war from the power of the sword.
Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue:
neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.
At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh:
neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.
For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field:
and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.
And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace;
and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin.
Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great,
and thine offspring as the grass of the earth.
Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age,
like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season.
Lo this, we have searched it, so it is;
hear it, and know thou it for thy good.”
Job 5:1
“Call now, if there be any that will answer thee;
and to which of the saints wilt thou turn?”
Eliphaz begins by asking Job where he will turn for help.
The wording is challenging. Eliphaz seems to imply that Job has no heavenly support because, in Eliphaz’s mind, Job must be under God’s correction for wrongdoing.
But even if Eliphaz misapplies this to Job, the question itself is worth asking:
Where do we turn when trouble comes?
Do we turn first to fear?
Do we turn first to anger?
Do we turn first to man?
Do we turn first to money?
Do we turn first to control?
Do we turn first to bitterness?
Or do we turn to God?
David said:
Psalm 121:1–2
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,
from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the LORD,
which made heaven and earth.”
The believer’s help comes from the Lord.
Again David says:
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.”
Not a distant help.
Not an occasional help.
A very present help.
Isaiah says:
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee:
be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
So when trouble comes, the first application is simple:
Call upon the Lord.
Psalm 50:15
“And call upon me in the day of trouble:
I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”
Eliphaz asked, “Who will answer thee?”
The gospel answers: God hears those who come through Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 4:15–16
“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
We do not come because we are worthy.
We come because Jesus is our High Priest.
Job 5:2
“For wrath killeth the foolish man,
and envy slayeth the silly one.”
This verse is very practical.
Wrath and envy are not small sins. They destroy the soul.
Wrath can consume a person from within.
Envy can poison the heart.
Anger can make a man foolish.
Jealousy can lead to bitterness, violence, and spiritual blindness.
Cain is the first great example.
Genesis 4:5–8
“But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect.
And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth?
and why is thy countenance fallen?
If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?
and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door.
And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
And Cain talked with Abel his brother:
and it came to pass, when they were in the field,
that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.”
Wrath killed Cain spiritually before Cain killed Abel physically.
Envy also destroyed Saul.
1 Samuel 18:7–9
“And the women answered one another as they played, and said,
Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.
And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him…
And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.”
Saul’s envy opened the door to torment, hatred, and attempted murder.
Proverbs says:
Proverbs 14:30
“A sound heart is the life of the flesh:
but envy the rottenness of the bones.”
And:
Proverbs 29:22
“An angry man stirreth up strife,
and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.”
James says:
James 1:19–20
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren,
let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”
So the application is clear:
Do not let wrath rule you.
Do not let envy eat you.
Do not nurse resentment.
Do not compare your life with others until bitterness grows.
Bring anger and jealousy to God before they destroy your soul.
Paul says:
Ephesians 4:31–32
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking,
be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
Wrath kills.
Envy slays.
Forgiveness heals.
Job 5:3–5
“I have seen the foolish taking root:
but suddenly I cursed his habitation.
His children are far from safety,
and they are crushed in the gate,
neither is there any to deliver them.
Whose harvest the hungry eateth up,
and taketh it even out of the thorns,
and the robber swalloweth up their substance.”
Eliphaz says he has seen the foolish taking root. In other words, the wicked may appear stable for a time.
They may prosper outwardly.
They may build houses.
They may gain influence.
They may seem planted.
They may seem untouchable.
But their root is not in God.
Psalm 37 says:
Psalm 37:35–36
“I have seen the wicked in great power,
and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not:
yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.”
Psalm 73 speaks of the same struggle. Asaph saw the prosperity of the wicked and became troubled.
Psalm 73:3–5
“For I was envious at the foolish,
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
For there are no bands in their death:
but their strength is firm.
They are not in trouble as other men;
neither are they plagued like other men.”
But then Asaph went into the sanctuary and understood their end.
Psalm 73:17–19
“Until I went into the sanctuary of God;
then understood I their end.
Surely thou didst set them in slippery places:
thou castedst them down into destruction.
How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment!
they are utterly consumed with terrors.”
The wicked may seem rooted, but they stand in slippery places.
Jesus taught the same in the parable of the wise and foolish builders.
Matthew 7:24–27
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them,
I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew,
and beat upon that house; and it fell not:
for it was founded upon a rock.
And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not,
shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew,
and beat upon that house; and it fell:
and great was the fall of it.”
The issue is foundation.
The foolish may build.
The foolish may take root.
The foolish may seem strong.
But if the foundation is not obedience to Christ, the house falls.
Application:
Do not envy the temporary success of the ungodly.
Do not build your house on sand.
Do not mistake outward prosperity for God’s approval.
Put your roots in Christ.
Colossians 2:6–7
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
Rooted and built up in him,
and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught,
abounding therein with thanksgiving.”
Job 5:6–7
“Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust,
neither doth trouble spring out of the ground;
Yet man is born unto trouble,
as the sparks fly upward.”
This is one of the most famous statements in Job 5.
“Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.”
Trouble is part of life in a fallen world.
We are born into a world affected by sin, death, decay, sorrow, sickness, conflict, and spiritual warfare.
After Adam sinned, God said:
Genesis 3:17–19
“Cursed is the ground for thy sake;
in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee…
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread,
till thou return unto the ground…”
Trouble entered because sin entered.
Paul says:
Romans 5:12
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world,
and death by sin;
and so death passed upon all men,
for that all have sinned.”
Jesus never promised a trouble-free life.
He said:
John 16:33
“These things I have spoken unto you,
that in me ye might have peace.
In the world ye shall have tribulation:
but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
“In the world ye shall have tribulation.”
But He also said:
“Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
So the Christian message is not: you will never suffer.
The Christian message is: Christ has overcome, and in Him you can have peace even in tribulation.
Peter says:
1 Peter 4:12–13
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you,
as though some strange thing happened unto you:
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings;
that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
Do not think suffering strange.
Man is born unto trouble.
But here is the caution: Eliphaz wrongly assumes Job’s trouble must be punishment for Job’s sin. The book of Job teaches us that not all suffering is direct punishment for personal sin.
Job was described by God as upright.
Job 1:8
“And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job,
that there is none like him in the earth,
a perfect and an upright man,
one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?”
So apply Job 5:7 to yourself generally: trouble is normal in a fallen world. But do not weaponise it against sufferers by assuming every pain means hidden guilt.
Jesus corrected that thinking.
John 9:1–3
“And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents,
that he was born blind?
Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents:
but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.”
Not every affliction is explained by personal sin.
Sometimes suffering is a platform for God’s glory.
Job 5:8
“I would seek unto God,
and unto God would I commit my cause.”
This is one of the strongest and most useful principles in Job 5.
When trouble comes, seek God.
When you do not understand, seek God.
When friends misunderstand you, seek God.
When your body hurts, seek God.
When your family suffers, seek God.
When your heart is confused, seek God.
When your cause seems impossible, commit it to God.
David said:
Psalm 27:8
“When thou saidst, Seek ye my face;
my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.”
Isaiah says:
Isaiah 55:6–7
“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found,
call ye upon him while, will I seek.”
Isaiah says:
Isaiah 55:6–7
“Seek ye the LORD while he is near:
Let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts:
and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him;
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”
Jeremiah says:
Jeremiah 29:13
“And ye shall seek me, and find me,
when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”
Peter says:
1 Peter 5:6–7
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God,
that he may exalt you in due time:
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
That is what “commit my cause” means.
Hand the matter to God.
Do not hold it in bitterness.
Do not hold it in panic.
Do not hold it in pride.
Commit it to God.
Jesus did this perfectly.
1 Peter 2:23
“Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again;
when he suffered, he threatened not;
but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.”
Jesus committed Himself to the righteous Judge.
When falsely accused, He trusted the Father.
When suffering, He did not threaten.
When reviled, He did not revile.
Application:
Take your cause to God before you take revenge.
Take your grief to God before you harden your heart.
Take your confusion to God before you accuse heaven.
Take your pain to God before you collapse under it.
Psalm 62:8
“Trust in him at all times; ye people,
pour out your heart before him:
God is a refuge for us. Selah.”
Job 5:9
“Which doeth great things and unsearchable;
marvellous things without number.”
Eliphaz says something deeply true about God.
God does great things.
God does unsearchable things.
God does marvellous things without number.
Job himself later says something similar.
Job 9:10
“Which doeth great things past finding out;
yea, and wonders without number.”
Paul says:
Romans 11:33–36
“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
how unsearchable are his judgments,
and his ways past finding out!
For who hath known the mind of the Lord?
or who hath been his counsellor?
Or who hath first given to him,
and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things:
to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”
God’s ways are past finding out.
This matters in suffering because we often demand full explanations.
Job wanted answers.
We want answers.
We ask: Why this? Why now? Why me? Why them? Why so long?
Sometimes God gives understanding.
Sometimes He gives comfort without full explanation.
Sometimes He calls us to trust His character when we cannot trace His hand.
Isaiah says:
Isaiah 55:8–9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
God is not small enough to fit into our understanding.
Application:
When you cannot understand God’s plan, remember God’s nature.
He is holy.
He is wise.
He is merciful.
He is faithful.
He is just.
He does marvellous things without number.
Job 5:10
“Who giveth rain upon the earth,
and sendeth waters upon the fields.”
God gives rain.
That sounds simple, but it is profound.
Rain means life.
Rain means crops.
Rain means provision.
Rain means mercy.
Rain means God cares for creation.
Jesus said:
Matthew 5:45
“That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven:
for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good,
and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”
God sends rain on the just and unjust.
This is common grace.
Even those who do not thank God receive rain from God.
Paul said to the people of Lystra:
Acts 14:17
“Nevertheless he left not himself without witness,
in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons,
filling our hearts with food and gladness.”
Rain is a witness.
Every harvest testifies.
Every meal testifies.
Every drink of water testifies.
Every fruitful season testifies.
God is provider.
James says:
James 1:17
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,
and cometh down from the Father of lights,
with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
Application:
Do not overlook ordinary mercies.
If you have bread, thank God.
If you have water, thank God.
If rain falls, thank God.
If the field produces, thank God.
If you wake up breathing, thank God.
Lamentations 3:22–23
“It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed,
because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning:
great is thy faithfulness.”
Job 5:11
“To set up on high those that be low;
that those which mourn may be exalted to safety.”
Job 5:15–16
“But he saveth the poor from the sword,
from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty.
So the poor hath hope,
and iniquity stoppeth her mouth.”
This is a beautiful truth.
God sees the low.
God sees the poor.
God sees the mourner.
God sees those crushed by the mighty.
Hannah prayed:
1 Samuel 2:7–8
“The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich:
he bringeth low, and lifteth up.
He raiseth up the poor out of the dust,
and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill,
to set them among princes,
and to make them inherit the throne of glory…”
Mary sang:
Luke 1:52–53
“He hath put down the mighty from their seats,
and exalted them of low degree.
He hath filled the hungry with good things;
and the rich he hath sent empty away.”
Jesus said:
Matthew 5:3–4
“Blessed are the poor in spirit:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn:
for they shall be comforted.”
God’s kingdom is not impressed by human pride.
God lifts the humble.
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,
and he shall lift you up.”
This is a principle we can apply:
If you are low, seek God.
If you mourn, seek God.
If you are poor in spirit, seek God.
If the mighty speak against you, seek God.
If you feel forgotten, seek God.
God knows how to lift the lowly.
But do not twist this into a guarantee that every suffering believer will be immediately exalted in this life. Some are lifted in this life. Some are vindicated at the resurrection.
Jesus Himself was brought low before He was exalted.
Philippians 2:8–11
“And being found in fashion as a man,
he humbled himself,
and became obedient unto death,
even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,
and given him a name which is above every name…”
The cross came before exaltation.
For the believer, suffering may come before glory.
Romans 8:18
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time
are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Job 5:12–14
“He disappointeth the devices of the crafty,
so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.
He taketh the wise in their own craftiness:
and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.
They meet with darkness in the daytime,
and grope in the noonday as in the night.”
This is strongly confirmed in the New Testament.
Paul quotes Job 5:13.
1 Corinthians 3:19
“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.
For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.”
So this part of Eliphaz’s speech is explicitly affirmed.
God frustrates crafty schemes.
Joseph’s brothers planned evil, but God overruled.
Genesis 50:20
“But as for you, ye thought evil against me;
but God meant it unto good,
to bring to pass, as it is this day,
to save much people alive.”
Haman built gallows for Mordecai, but Haman was hanged on them.
Esther 7:10
“So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai.
Then was the king's wrath pacified.”
The rulers plotted against Jesus, but God used the cross for salvation.
Acts 4:27–28
“For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed,
both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.”
The greatest evil plan in history became the means of salvation.
Satan entered Judas.
Religious leaders plotted murder.
Rome crucified Christ.
But God raised Him from the dead.
Acts 2:23–24
“Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God,
ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Whom God hath raised up…”
Application:
Do not fear the schemes of the crafty more than you trust the wisdom of God.
People may plot.
Enemies may whisper.
The proud may plan.
The wicked may scheme.
But God can turn their wisdom into foolishness.
Psalm 33:10–11
“The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought:
he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.
The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever,
the thoughts of his heart to all generations.”
God’s counsel stands.
Job 5:17
“Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth:
therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty.”
This is another part of Job 5 that is confirmed elsewhere in Scripture.
Proverbs says:
Proverbs 3:11–12
“My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD;
neither be weary of his correction:
For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth;
even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”
Hebrews quotes and expands this truth.
Hebrews 12:5–11
“My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord,
nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth,
and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons;
for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers,
then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence:
shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure;
but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:
nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness
unto them which are exercised thereby.”
This teaches us how to apply Job 5:17 properly.
God’s correction is real.
God’s chastening is fatherly.
God corrects those He loves.
God’s purpose is holiness.
Chastening is painful for the present, but fruitful afterward.
However, we must be careful: not all suffering is correction for a specific sin.
Job’s suffering was not because Job was secretly wicked. God Himself said Job was upright.
So we apply this personally, not accusingly.
When I suffer, I may ask:
Lord, are You correcting me?
Is there sin I must confess?
Is there pride You are exposing?
Is there something You are refining?
Teach me. Search me. Lead me.
David prayed:
Psalm 139:23–24
“Search me, O God, and know my heart:
try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.”
But when someone else suffers, do not immediately assume you know why.
Be gentle.
Galatians 6:1
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault,
ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness;
considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
Job 5:18
“For he maketh sore, and bindeth up:
he woundeth, and his hands make whole.”
This is a deep and serious truth.
God may wound in order to heal.
God may break in order to restore.
God may humble in order to save.
God may expose in order to cleanse.
Hosea says:
Hosea 6:1
“Come, and let us return unto the LORD:
for he hath torn, and he will heal us;
he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.”
Deuteronomy says:
Deuteronomy 32:39
“See now that I, even I, am he,
and there is no god with me:
I kill, and I make alive;
I wound, and I heal:
neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.”
This is not saying God is cruel. It is saying God is sovereign over both breaking and healing.
A surgeon wounds to remove disease.
A father disciplines to correct a child.
A refiner uses fire to purify gold.
A gardener prunes to bring fruit.
Jesus said:
John 15:1–2
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away:
and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it,
that it may bring forth more fruit.”
Pruning can feel like loss, but God’s purpose is fruit.
Paul’s thorn in the flesh is another example.
2 Corinthians 12:7–10
“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations,
there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,
the messenger of Satan to buffet me,
lest I should be exalted above measure.
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,
that it might depart from me.
And he said unto me,
My grace is sufficient for thee:
for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake:
for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
Paul was not healed outwardly, but he received deeper grace.
So when Job 5 says God wounds and heals, remember: healing may be immediate, gradual, spiritual, emotional, bodily, or finally at the resurrection.
The final healing is certain for the people of God.
Revelation 21:4
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying,
neither shall there be any more pain:
for the former things are passed away.”
Job 5:19
“He shall deliver thee in six troubles:
yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.”
This is poetic language meaning repeated and complete deliverance.
Not merely one trouble.
Six troubles.
Even seven.
The Bible often uses this kind of pattern to speak of fullness.
David said:
Psalm 34:19
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous:
but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”
Many afflictions.
Full deliverance.
But again, we must understand deliverance biblically.
God delivered Daniel from the lions’ den.
Daniel 6:22
“My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths,
that they have not hurt me…”
God delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace.
Daniel 3:27
“The fire had no power,
nor was an hair of their head singed,
neither were their coats changed,
nor the smell of fire had passed on them.”
But Hebrews 11 also says some faithful believers were not outwardly delivered in this life.
Hebrews 11:35–38
“And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance;
that they might obtain a better resurrection:
And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings,
yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword…
Of whom the world was not worthy…”
Some escaped the sword.
Some were slain by the sword.
Both lived by faith.
So what does deliverance mean?
Sometimes God delivers us from trouble.
Sometimes God delivers us through trouble.
Sometimes God delivers us by taking us home to glory.
But God never abandons His people.
Paul said:
2 Timothy 4:18
“And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work,
and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom:
to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Paul was later executed, yet he still said the Lord would preserve him unto His heavenly kingdom.
That is ultimate deliverance.
Application:
Do not define God’s faithfulness only by whether He removes the trouble immediately.
Define God’s faithfulness by His promise to keep you, sanctify you, and bring you to glory.
Job 5:20–23
“In famine he shall redeem thee from death:
and in war from the power of the sword.
Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue:
neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.
At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh:
neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.
For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field:
and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.”
Eliphaz lists many troubles:
Famine.
War.
The sword.
The scourge of the tongue.
Destruction.
Beasts of the earth.
These represent physical danger, social attack, and creation itself seeming hostile.
The “scourge of the tongue” is very real.
Words can wound.
Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue:
and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
David often prayed against slander.
Psalm 31:20
“Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man:
thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.”
God can hide His people from the strife of tongues.
But Jesus was slandered. Paul was slandered. The apostles were slandered. Believers should expect false accusation.
Jesus said:
Matthew 5:11–12
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you,
and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:
for great is your reward in heaven…”
God may protect your reputation now, or He may vindicate you later.
Either way, entrust your name to Him.
Regarding famine and danger, Jesus said:
Matthew 6:31–33
“Therefore take no thought, saying,
What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:
for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
and all these things shall be added unto you.”
God knows our needs.
But we must not turn Job 5 into a simplistic promise that no believer will ever die in famine, war, disaster, or persecution. Many faithful saints have suffered.
The deeper promise is this:
Romans 8:35–39
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long;
we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers,
nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God,
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Famine may come.
Sword may come.
Persecution may come.
But none of it can separate us from Christ.
Job 5:24–25
“And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace;
and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin.
Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great,
and thine offspring as the grass of the earth.”
Eliphaz speaks of peace in the home and blessing on offspring.
This was painful for Job because Job had just lost his children.
So again, we must not use this verse carelessly against grieving parents or suffering families.
But there is still a righteous principle: peace in the home is a blessing from God, and children are a gift from God.
Psalm 127:1
“Except the LORD build the house,
they labour in vain that build it…”
Psalm 127:3
“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD:
and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
Peace in the home is not automatic. It must be sought in God’s way.
A home needs prayer.
A home needs forgiveness.
A home needs humility.
A home needs the Word.
A home needs Christ as Lord.
Joshua said:
Joshua 24:15
“But as for me and my house,
we will serve the LORD.”
Parents are called to teach their children.
Deuteronomy 6:6–7
“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children,
and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house,
and when thou walkest by the way,
and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”
Paul says:
Ephesians 6:4
“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath:
but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
So apply Job 5:24–25 as a prayer:
Lord, let my home be under Your peace.
Lord, keep sin from ruling my habitation.
Lord, help me raise my children in Your fear.
Lord, let my family serve You.
Lord, restore what is broken.
Lord, comfort families who grieve.
And remember, the final household peace is in the Father’s house.
John 14:2–3
“In my Father's house are many mansions:
if it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again, and receive you unto myself;
that where I am, there ye may be also.”
Job 5:26
“Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age,
like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season.”
Eliphaz describes a peaceful death after a full life.
This is a blessing when God grants it.
Abraham died this way.
Genesis 25:8
“Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age,
an old man, and full of years;
and was gathered to his people.”
David also died full of days.
1 Chronicles 29:28
“And he died in a good old age,
full of days, riches, and honour…”
But again, we must be careful. Not every righteous person dies old.
Abel was righteous and died young.
John the Baptist was righteous and was beheaded.
Stephen was full of faith and was stoned.
Jesus was sinless and died around thirty-three.
So Job 5:26 is not an absolute guarantee to every believer in this life.
The deeper Christian hope is not merely long earthly life. It is resurrection life.
Jesus said:
John 11:25–26
“I am the resurrection, and the life:
he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
Believest thou this?”
Paul said:
Philippians 1:21
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
For the believer, death is not defeat.
2 Corinthians 5:8
“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body,
and to be present with the Lord.”
The righteous may die young or old, but in Christ they are safe.
The final harvest comes at the resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:42–44
“So also is the resurrection of the dead.
It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory:
it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.”
A shock of corn comes in its season.
The believer’s body will be raised in God’s appointed season.
Job 5:27
“Lo this, we have searched it, so it is;
hear it, and know thou it for thy good.”
Eliphaz ends with confidence: “We have searched it, so it is.”
There is a warning here.
Eliphaz was too confident in his interpretation of Job’s suffering.
He had searched some things. He knew some truth. But he did not know the heavenly scene of Job 1–2. He did not know Satan had accused Job. He did not know God had permitted a test. He did not know Job’s suffering was not punishment for hidden wickedness.
This teaches us humility.
We may know true principles and still misapply them.
We may quote true verses and still wound people wrongly.
We may speak with confidence and still lack understanding.
Proverbs says:
Proverbs 18:13
“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it,
it is folly and shame unto him.”
And:
Proverbs 18:17
“He that is first in his own cause seemeth just;
but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.”
James warns:
James 3:1
“My brethren, be not many masters,
knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.”
So when applying Job 5, we must do so humbly.
Use it first on yourself before using it on another.
Ask:
Am I seeking God?
Am I committing my cause to Him?
Am I humble under correction?
Am I trusting His wisdom?
Am I free from wrath and envy?
Am I caring for the poor?
Am I trusting God in trouble?
But do not sit beside another sufferer and assume you know exactly why they are suffering.
Sometimes the holiest thing is not to explain pain, but to weep with those who weep.
Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with them that do rejoice,
and weep with them that weep.”
Job’s friends did best when they sat silently at first.
Job 2:13
“So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights,
and none spake a word unto him:
for they saw that his grief was very great.”
Sometimes silence is wiser than speeches.
Job 5 ultimately drives us toward Christ.
Job 5:8
“I would seek unto God…”
Jesus is the way to the Father.
John 14:6
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Job 5:13
“He taketh the wise in their own craftiness…”
At the cross, God defeated the wisdom of the world.
1 Corinthians 1:23–24
“But we preach Christ crucified,
unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks,
Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”
Job 5:18
“He woundeth, and his hands make whole.”
Christ was wounded for us.
Isaiah 53:5
“But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him;
and with his stripes we are healed.”
Job 5:16
“So the poor hath hope…”
Jesus preached good news to the poor.
Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor…”
Job 5 speaks of deliverance in trouble. But Jesus entered the deepest trouble and bore judgment for sinners.
Matthew 27:46
“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying,
Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?
that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
Jesus was forsaken so believers could be received.
1 Peter 3:18
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins,
the just for the unjust,
that he might bring us to God…”
So Job 5 points us beyond moral advice to the gospel.
Seek God.
Receive correction.
Trust His wisdom.
But above all, come to God through Jesus Christ.
Job 5:8
“I would seek unto God…”
Do not let prayer be your last resort. Let it be your first response.
Job 5:2
“For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.”
Anger and envy are spiritual poison.
Job 5:3
“I have seen the foolish taking root…”
A root outside God will not last.
Job 5:7
“Yet man is born unto trouble…”
Do not think trouble means God has abandoned you.
Job 5:8
“And unto God would I commit my cause.”
Let God be Judge.
Job 5:9
“Which doeth great things and unsearchable…”
Trust what you cannot fully understand.
Job 5:17
“Despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty.”
Ask God what He is teaching you.
Job 5:18
“He maketh sore, and bindeth up…”
God’s hands can make whole.
Job 5:19
“He shall deliver thee in six troubles…”
Deliverance may be from trouble, through trouble, or finally into glory.
Remember Job 42:7.
Do not use true principles wrongly. Speak with humility and compassion.
Job 5 is a chapter full of strong statements.
Some are beautifully true.
Some are painfully misapplied by Eliphaz.
All must be read with humility.
The chapter teaches us:
Wrath and envy destroy.
The prosperity of the foolish is unstable.
Man is born unto trouble.
The right response is to seek God.
God does great and unsearchable things.
God gives rain and provides mercy.
God lifts the lowly.
God frustrates the crafty.
God corrects His children.
God wounds and heals.
God delivers His people.
God gives hope to the poor.
But the book of Job also teaches us not to assume we understand every sufferer’s pain.
Job’s friends thought they had searched it out. But they were wrong about Job.
So let Job 5 humble us.
When applying it to yourself, be honest.
When applying it to others, be gentle.
When suffering, seek God.
When corrected, do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.
When wounded, trust the hands that make whole.
When confused, remember God does marvellous things without number.
When accused, commit your cause to Him who judges righteously.
When afraid, look to Christ.
Jesus is the true innocent sufferer.
Job suffered, but Job was not sinless.
Jesus suffered, and He was sinless.
Job asked for a mediator.
Job 9:33
“Neither is there any daysman betwixt us,
that might lay his hand upon us both.”
Jesus is that Mediator.
1 Timothy 2:5
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men,
the man Christ Jesus.”
Job longed for a Redeemer.
Job 19:25
“For I know that my redeemer liveth,
and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.”
Jesus is that living Redeemer.
So seek God through Christ.
Commit your cause to Christ.
Receive correction through Christ.
Endure suffering with Christ.
Trust the healing hands of Christ.
Hope in the resurrection of Christ.
For the God who wounds and heals has shown His heart at the cross.
There Jesus was wounded for our transgressions.
There Jesus bore our sins.
There Jesus opened the way to God.
And by His stripes, we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5
“But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him;
and with his stripes we are healed.”
Amen.
Father, we thank You for Job chapter 5.
Teach us to seek You in trouble.
Teach us to commit our cause to You.
Deliver us from wrath and envy.
Keep us from foolish roots and unstable foundations.
Help us remember that man is born unto trouble, but Christ has overcome the world.
Lord, when You correct us, help us not despise Your chastening.
When You wound, help us trust Your hands to make whole.
When we suffer without understanding, help us trust Your wisdom.
When we speak to sufferers, give us compassion, humility, and careful words.
Thank You for Jesus Christ, the true innocent sufferer, the living Redeemer, and the Mediator between God and men.
Thank You that He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities.
Thank You that by His stripes we are healed.
Help us seek You, trust You, and follow You through every trouble until the day when every tear is wiped away.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main Scripture: Hebrews 12
Main theme: Hebrews 12 teaches believers to run the race of faith with endurance, look unto Jesus, receive the Father’s chastening, pursue holiness, refuse bitterness and worldliness, understand the difference between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion, and worship God with reverence and godly fear.
Hebrews 12 is one of the great chapters of the Christian life.
It is written to believers who were under pressure. They were tempted to grow weary. They were tempted to draw back. They were tempted to fear suffering. They were tempted to forget the greatness of Christ. They were tempted to treat discipline as rejection. They were tempted to make peace with sin. They were tempted to lose sight of the heavenly kingdom.
So Hebrews 12 speaks like a trumpet.
Run.
Endure.
Look to Jesus.
Do not faint.
Receive correction.
Pursue holiness.
Do not let bitterness grow.
Do not be like Esau.
You have not come to Mount Sinai only.
You have come to Mount Zion.
Do not refuse Him who speaks.
God will shake what can be shaken.
Receive the kingdom that cannot be moved.
Serve God with reverence and godly fear.
For our God is a consuming fire.
Hebrews 12 is not soft religion. It is strong medicine for weary saints.
It tells us that the Christian life is a race, not a stroll.
It tells us that discipline is love, not abandonment.
It tells us that holiness is necessary, not optional.
It tells us that bitterness is dangerous, not harmless.
It tells us that Jesus’ blood speaks better things than Abel.
It tells us that God is Father, Judge, and consuming fire.
It tells us that believers are receiving an unshakable kingdom.
Let us begin by reading the chapter.
Hebrews 12:1–29
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us,
and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;
who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame,
and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself,
lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children,
My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord,
nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth,
and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons;
for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers,
then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence:
shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure;
but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:
nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
And make straight paths for your feet,
lest that which is lame be turned out of the way;
but let it rather be healed.
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God;
lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau,
who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected:
for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched,
and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words;
which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:
For they could not endure that which was commanded,
And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:
And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:
But ye are come unto mount Sion,
and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem,
and to an innumerable company of angels,
To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven,
and to God the Judge of all,
and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant,
and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
See that ye refuse not him that speaketh.
For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth,
much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:
Whose voice then shook the earth:
but now he hath promised, saying,
Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken,
as of things that are made,
that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved,
let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
For our God is a consuming fire.”
Hebrews 12 begins:
Hebrews 12:1
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses…”
The word “wherefore” connects Hebrews 12 to Hebrews 11.
Hebrews 11 is the great chapter of faith.
It speaks of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets.
Hebrews 11 says:
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
And:
Hebrews 11:6
“But without faith it is impossible to please him:
for he that cometh to God must believe that he is,
and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Then Hebrews 11 gives us example after example.
Abel offered by faith.
Hebrews 11:4
“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain…”
Enoch walked by faith.
Hebrews 11:5
“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death…”
Noah built by faith.
Hebrews 11:7
“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark…”
Abraham obeyed by faith.
Hebrews 11:8
“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed…”
Moses chose suffering with God’s people by faith.
Hebrews 11:24–26
“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt…”
Then Hebrews 12 says, because we are surrounded by this great cloud of witnesses, run the race.
These witnesses are not spectators in a stadium watching us for entertainment. They are witnesses in the sense that their lives testify. Their faith speaks. Their endurance bears witness.
Noah says, “Believe God before you see the flood.”
Abraham says, “Obey God even when you do not know where you are going.”
Moses says, “Choose reproach with Christ over Egypt’s treasures.”
Rahab says, “Faith can bring mercy to the unlikely.”
The prophets say, “Speak God’s Word even when rejected.”
The martyrs say, “It is better to suffer with God than to live in unbelief.”
Their lives say: keep running.
Hebrews 12:1
“Let us lay aside every weight…”
The Christian life is pictured as a race.
A runner does not carry unnecessary weight.
He does not run with heavy bags.
He does not run with chains.
He does not run wearing things that slow him down.
He strips away what hinders him.
This verse mentions two things:
Every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us.
A weight is not necessarily something sinful in itself. It is something that slows you down spiritually.
Some things may be lawful but not helpful.
Paul says:
1 Corinthians 6:12
“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient:
all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”
And again:
1 Corinthians 10:23
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient:
all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.”
A weight may be entertainment.
A weight may be distraction.
A weight may be a friendship that weakens obedience.
A weight may be obsession with money.
A weight may be constant worry.
A weight may be too much comfort.
A weight may be worldly ambition.
A weight may be a habit that consumes time and attention.
A weight may even be a good thing that has become too important.
The question is not only, “Is this sin?”
The question is also, “Does this help me run?”
Paul used athletic language:
1 Corinthians 9:24–27
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?
So run, that ye may obtain.
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.
Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown;
but we an incorruptible.
I therefore so run, not as uncertainly;
so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection:
lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
The Christian runner must be disciplined.
Not saved by discipline, but disciplined because he is saved and running toward glory.
So ask:
What weight is slowing me down?
What habit dulls prayer?
What friendship pulls me from holiness?
What entertainment feeds the flesh?
What fear keeps me from obedience?
What comfort weakens my endurance?
What burden has God not asked me to carry?
Jesus said:
Matthew 11:28–30
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Lay aside every weight.
Take Christ’s yoke.
Hebrews 12:1
“And the sin which doth so easily beset us…”
The chapter moves from weights to sin.
A weight slows us.
Sin entangles us.
Sin wraps around the feet.
Sin trips the runner.
Sin clings.
Sin deceives.
Sin promises pleasure but brings bondage.
Some sins easily beset us more than others.
For one person, anger.
For another, lust.
For another, fear.
For another, pride.
For another, greed.
For another, bitterness.
For another, unbelief.
For another, drunkenness.
For another, gossip.
For another, laziness.
For another, self-pity.
James says:
James 1:14–15
“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin:
and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
Sin does not stay small.
Paul says:
Romans 6:12–14
“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:
but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead,
and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
For sin shall not have dominion over you:
for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”
Grace does not make peace with sin. Grace breaks sin’s dominion.
John says:
1 John 1:8–9
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
So how do we lay aside besetting sin?
Confess it.
Bring it into the light.
Repent of it.
Stop feeding it.
Cut off access to it.
Walk in the Spirit.
Use the Word of God.
Seek prayer and accountability.
Look to Jesus.
Jesus said:
Matthew 5:29–30
“And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee…
And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee…”
Jesus is not commanding literal self-mutilation. He is teaching radical separation from sin.
Do not negotiate with what is destroying your race.
Lay it aside.
Hebrews 12:1
“And let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
The Christian life is a race, but not a short sprint.
It requires patience, endurance, perseverance, steadfastness.
The race is “set before us.” That means God appoints the path.
My race is not exactly your race.
Your trials may differ from mine.
Your calling may differ from mine.
Your burdens may differ from mine.
But every believer must run the race set before him.
Paul said near the end of his life:
2 Timothy 4:7–8
“I have fought a good fight,
I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:
and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Paul had a course to finish.
He also said:
Acts 20:24
“But none of these things move me,
neither count I my life dear unto myself,
so that I might finish my course with joy,
and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus,
to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”
The race is not about speed only. It is about finishing faithfully.
Jesus said:
Matthew 24:13
“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
Endurance matters.
Some begin with excitement and stop when suffering comes.
Jesus described this in the parable of the sower.
Matthew 13:20–21
“But he that received the seed into stony places,
the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while:
for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.”
No root, no endurance.
Hebrews 12 calls us to run patiently, not emotionally only.
Keep running when you feel strong.
Keep running when you feel weak.
Keep running when others stop.
Keep running when misunderstood.
Keep running when tired.
Keep running when disciplined.
Keep running when the road is uphill.
Keep running because Christ is worthy.
Hebrews 12:2
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”
This is the centre of the race.
We do not run by staring at ourselves.
We do not run by staring at other runners.
We do not run by staring at the crowd.
We do not run by staring at the past.
We run by looking unto Jesus.
Peter walked on water while looking to Jesus.
Matthew 14:29–30
“And when Peter was come down out of the ship,
he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid;
and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.”
When he looked at the wind, he sank.
The believer must keep his eyes on Christ.
Jesus is called the author and finisher of our faith.
He begins faith.
He completes faith.
He calls.
He keeps.
He strengthens.
He perfects.
Paul says:
Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this very thing,
that he which hath begun a good work in you
will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Jesus does not begin salvation and abandon the work halfway.
He is author and finisher.
Hebrews earlier says:
Hebrews 7:25
“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost
that come unto God by him,
seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
He saves to the uttermost.
So when your faith feels weak, look to Jesus.
When your sin feels strong, look to Jesus.
When your conscience accuses you, look to Jesus.
When your race feels long, look to Jesus.
When suffering makes you weary, look to Jesus.
Hebrews 12:2
“Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame,
and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Jesus endured the cross.
The cross was agony.
The cross was shame.
The cross was public humiliation.
The cross was pain.
The cross was rejection.
The cross was the place where the sinless Son bore the sins of many.
Isaiah prophesied:
Isaiah 53:4–6
“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows:
yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him;
and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned every one to his own way;
and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him.
What joy?
The joy of obeying the Father.
The joy of redeeming sinners.
The joy of defeating Satan.
The joy of bringing many sons to glory.
The joy of resurrection.
The joy of sitting at the Father’s right hand.
The joy of gathering His bride.
Hebrews 2 says:
Hebrews 2:10
“For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things,
in bringing many sons unto glory,
to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”
Jesus endured suffering to bring many sons unto glory.
He despised the shame.
That does not mean shame was imaginary. It means He counted shame as nothing compared with the joy and purpose before Him.
Then He sat down.
Hebrews 10:12
“But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever,
sat down on the right hand of God.”
A seated priest means the sacrifice is finished.
Jesus cried:
John 19:30
“It is finished.”
So Hebrews 12 says: look at Him.
If Jesus endured for you, you can endure in Him.
Hebrews 12:3
“For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself,
lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”
The battle often begins in the mind.
Weariness in the mind.
Fainting in the mind.
Discouragement in the mind.
Temptation to quit in the mind.
The cure is: consider Him.
Consider Jesus mocked.
Consider Jesus falsely accused.
Consider Jesus betrayed.
Consider Jesus denied.
Consider Jesus scourged.
Consider Jesus crowned with thorns.
Consider Jesus nailed to the cross.
Consider Jesus praying for His enemies.
Consider Jesus rising from the dead.
Consider Jesus seated at God’s right hand.
Peter says:
1 Peter 2:21–23
“For even hereunto were ye called:
because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example,
that ye should follow his steps:
Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again;
when he suffered, he threatened not;
but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.”
When wronged, Jesus committed Himself to the righteous Judge.
So if you are weary, consider Him.
If people speak against you, consider Him.
If obedience costs you, consider Him.
If shame comes, consider Him.
If suffering is long, consider Him.
Do not only consider your pain. Consider Christ.
Hebrews 12:4
“Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.”
The Christian life includes striving against sin.
Sin is not a pet.
Sin is not a toy.
Sin is not harmless.
Sin is an enemy.
Jesus said:
Mark 9:43
“And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off:
it is better for thee to enter into life maimed,
than having two hands to go into hell,
into the fire that never shall be quenched.”
Paul says:
Romans 8:13
“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die:
but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”
Mortify means put to death.
Not manage sin.
Not excuse sin.
Not decorate sin.
Put it to death through the Spirit.
Hebrews says these believers had not yet resisted unto blood. Others had suffered unto death. Christ had shed His blood. The martyrs had shed theirs. These believers were suffering, but they were not yet at that point.
The exhortation is: do not complain as though your battle is impossible. Keep striving.
Paul says:
Galatians 5:16–17
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit,
and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh:
and these are contrary the one to the other…”
There is war inside the believer.
But Christ gives victory.
1 Corinthians 15:57
“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Hebrews 12:5
“And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children,
My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord,
nor faint when thou art rebuked of him.”
The writer says they had forgotten.
Suffering becomes dangerous when we forget Scripture.
They forgot Proverbs 3.
Proverbs 3:11–12
“My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD;
neither be weary of his correction:
For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth;
even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”
Hebrews quotes this and applies it to Christians.
There are two wrong responses to chastening:
Despise it.
Faint under it.
To despise chastening is to say, “This means nothing. I will ignore it. I do not need correction.”
To faint under chastening is to say, “God must hate me. I cannot bear this. I give up.”
Both are wrong.
The right response is humble submission.
Hebrews 12:9
“Shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?”
God’s correction is not rejection.
For the child of God, chastening is fatherly love.
Hebrews 12:6–8
“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth,
and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons;
for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers,
then are ye bastards, and not sons.”
This is a hard but comforting truth.
God disciplines His children.
Not because He hates them.
Because He loves them.
A father who never corrects a child is not showing love. He is neglecting the child.
God’s chastening proves sonship.
David said:
Psalm 119:67
“Before I was afflicted I went astray:
but now have I kept thy word.”
And:
Psalm 119:71
“It is good for me that I have been afflicted;
that I might learn thy statutes.”
Affliction can teach obedience.
But we must be careful. Not every suffering is punishment for a specific sin. Job suffered, yet God called him upright. The man born blind was not blind because of his own sin or his parents’ sin.
John 9:3
“Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents:
but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.”
But all suffering in the life of God’s child can be used by the Father for training, shaping, pruning, and sanctifying.
Romans says:
Romans 8:28–29
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,
to them who are the called according to his purpose.
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate
to be conformed to the image of his Son…”
The good God is working toward is conformity to Christ.
So when chastening comes, ask:
Father, what are You teaching me?
What are You removing?
What are You exposing?
What are You refining?
How are You making me more like Christ?
Hebrews 12:10
“For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure;
but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.”
God’s discipline has a purpose:
That we might be partakers of His holiness.
This is one of the most important verses in the chapter.
God is not merely trying to make us comfortable. He is making us holy.
God is not merely giving us an easier life. He is conforming us to Christ.
Peter says:
1 Peter 1:15–16
“But as he which hath called you is holy,
so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
Paul says:
1 Thessalonians 4:3
“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification…”
God’s will is our sanctification.
Sometimes we pray, “Lord, make my life easier.”
God may answer, “I am making you holier.”
Sometimes we pray, “Lord, remove the pressure.”
God may answer, “I am using the pressure to refine your faith.”
Peter says:
1 Peter 1:6–7
“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be,
ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth,
though it be tried with fire,
might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”
Faith is refined by fire.
The Father’s discipline is for our profit.
Hebrews 12:11
“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:
nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”
The Bible is honest.
Chastening is not enjoyable at the time.
It is grievous.
God does not pretend discipline feels pleasant.
But afterward, it yields fruit.
This is the difference between present pain and future fruit.
A farmer understands this.
A gardener understands this.
A parent understands this.
An athlete understands this.
Training hurts, but produces strength.
Paul says:
2 Corinthians 4:17–18
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,
worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
While we look not at the things which are seen,
but at the things which are not seen:
for the things which are seen are temporal;
but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Affliction works glory when received in faith.
James says:
James 1:2–4
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work,
that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
The trial works patience.
Romans says:
Romans 5:3–5
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also:
knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed…”
Trouble is not meaningless in the hand of God.
Chastening yields peaceable fruit..
Hebrews 12:12–13
“Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
And make straight paths for your feet,
lest that which is lame be turned out of the way;
but let it rather be healed.”
After speaking of discipline, Hebrews calls believers to strengthen what is weak.
Hands hanging down picture weariness.
Feeble knees picture weakness.
Lame feet picture vulnerability.
This is a call to spiritual recovery.
Isaiah says something similar:
Isaiah 35:3–4
“Strengthen ye the weak hands,
and confirm the feeble knees.
Say to them that are of a fearful heart,
Be strong, fear not:
behold, your God will come with vengeance,
even God with a recompence;
he will come and save you.”
God’s people must encourage one another.
Paul says:
1 Thessalonians 5:14
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly,
comfort the feebleminded,
support the weak,
be patient toward all men.”
Not everyone needs the same ministry.
The unruly need warning.
The fainthearted need comfort.
The weak need support.
Everyone needs patience.
Hebrews says make straight paths, so the lame may be healed rather than turned out of the way.
This applies to our personal walk and to church life.
If your path is crooked, weaker believers may stumble because of your example.
Paul warns:
Romans 14:13
“That no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.”
And:
1 Corinthians 8:9
“But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.”
Your race affects others.
So strengthen your hands.
Steady your knees.
Straighten your path.
Help the weak heal.
Hebrews 12:14
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”
This verse is simple and searching.
Follow peace.
Follow holiness.
The word “follow” means pursue. Chase after. Make it your aim.
Peace does not always happen automatically. It must be pursued.
Paul says:
Romans 12:18
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
Notice: “if it be possible.”
Sometimes peace is not possible because others refuse it. But as much as lies in you, pursue peace.
Jesus said:
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers:
for they shall be called the children of God.”
But peace must never be separated from holiness.
Some want peace by compromising truth.
Some want peace by tolerating sin.
Some want peace by silencing conviction.
Some want peace by avoiding repentance.
That is not biblical peace.
James says:
James 3:17
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable…”
First pure, then peaceable.
Holiness comes with peace.
Hebrews says:
“Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.”
This does not mean we are saved by our own perfect holiness. We are saved by the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 10:10
“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
But the grace that saves us also sanctifies us.
A person who has no desire for holiness has no evidence of new birth.
John says:
1 John 3:2–3
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God,
and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:
but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him;
for we shall see him as he is.
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”
Hope purifies.
Jesus said:
Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart:
for they shall see God.”
If you want to see the Lord, do not make peace with sin.
Follow holiness.
Hebrews 12:15
“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God…”
This does not mean God’s grace fails. God’s grace does not fail.
It means beware lest anyone fall short of grace, miss grace, refuse grace, or turn away from the grace offered.
Hebrews repeatedly warns against drawing back.
Hebrews 2:3
“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?”
Hebrews 3:12
“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief,
in departing from the living God.”
Hebrews 10:38–39
“Now the just shall live by faith:
but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition;
but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”
Grace must not be neglected.
Paul says:
2 Corinthians 6:1
“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also
that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.”
Grace is not permission to drift. Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness.
Titus 2:11–12
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts,
we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”
Grace teaches holiness.
So Hebrews says: look diligently.
Watch yourself.
Watch the church.
Watch the roots.
Watch the direction.
Watch for spiritual drift.
Watch for bitterness.
Watch for unbelief.
Hebrews 12:15
“Lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.”
Bitterness is pictured as a root.
Roots are often hidden before fruit appears.
Bitterness can grow underground in the heart.
It begins with hurt.
Then resentment.
Then anger.
Then accusation.
Then hardness.
Then defilement.
Bitterness troubles the person who carries it, and it defiles many.
One bitter person can poison a family.
One bitter person can trouble a church.
One bitter person can defile a friendship group.
One bitter person can spread suspicion, gossip, anger, and division.
Deuteronomy warned:
Deuteronomy 29:18
“Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe,
whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God,
to go and serve the gods of these nations;
lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood.”
Bitterness is connected with turning away from God.
Paul says:
Ephesians 4:31–32
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking,
be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
The cure for bitterness is forgiveness rooted in the gospel.
You forgive because God for Christ’s sake forgave you.
Colossians says:
Colossians 3:13
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another,
if any man have a quarrel against any:
even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
Bitterness says, “I will make them pay.”
The gospel says, “Christ paid for me.”
This does not mean evil is not evil.
It does not mean abuse should continue.
It does not mean justice never matters.
It means vengeance belongs to God.
Romans 12:19
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves,
but rather give place unto wrath:
for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
Pull up the root before it defiles many.
Hebrews 12:16–17
“Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau,
who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected:
for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.”
Esau is called profane.
Profane means treating holy things as common.
Esau sold his birthright for one meal.
Genesis says:
Genesis 25:29–34
“And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:
And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage;
for I am faint…
And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.
And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die:
and what profit shall this birthright do to me?
And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him:
and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.
Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles;
and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way:
thus Esau despised his birthright.”
Esau despised his birthright.
He chose immediate appetite over covenant blessing.
That is profane.
Many people today do the same.
They trade eternity for pleasure.
They trade holiness for lust.
They trade Christ for money.
They trade truth for popularity.
They trade their soul for a moment.
They trade the birthright for one morsel.
Jesus asked:
Mark 8:36–37
“For what shall it profit a man,
if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Esau later cried, but Hebrews says he found no place of repentance.
This does not mean true repentance is ever rejected by God. Scripture says:
Psalm 51:17
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:
a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”
But Esau’s tears were not true repentance toward God. They were sorrow over consequences and lost blessing.
Paul says:
2 Corinthians 7:10
“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of:
but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”
Worldly sorrow cries because it lost something.
Godly sorrow turns from sin to God.
Do not be Esau.
Do not trade eternal things for temporary appetite.
Hebrews 12:18–21
“For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched,
and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words;
which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:
For they could not endure that which was commanded,
And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:
And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake.”
This refers to Mount Sinai, when God gave the law.
Exodus says:
Exodus 19:16–19
“And it came to pass on the third day in the morning,
that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount,
and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud;
so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God;
and they stood at the nether part of the mount.
And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke,
because the LORD descended upon it in fire:
and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace,
and the whole mount quaked greatly.
And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder,
Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.”
The people feared.
Exodus 20:18–19
“And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings,
and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking:
and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.
And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear:
but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”
Sinful man cannot casually approach holy God.
Sinai shows holiness, fear, distance, law, judgment, and trembling.
The law is holy, but it exposes sin.
Paul says:
Romans 7:12–13
“Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid.
But sin, that it might appear sin…”
The law shows sin. It cannot cleanse the conscience.
Hebrews earlier says:
Hebrews 10:1
“For the law having a shadow of good things to come,
and not the very image of the things,
can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually
make the comers thereunto perfect.”
Sinai is real. God’s holiness is real. But Hebrews says believers have come to something greater through Christ.
Hebrews 12:22–24
“But ye are come unto mount Sion,
and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem,
and to an innumerable company of angels,
To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven,
and to God the Judge of all,
and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant,
and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”
This is glorious.
Believers have come to Mount Zion.
Not to the terror of Sinai only, but to the heavenly Jerusalem.
This does not mean God is less holy. It means Christ has opened access.
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 10:19–22
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil,
that is to say, his flesh;
And having an high priest over the house of God;
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…”
We draw near by the blood of Jesus.
Mount Zion includes:
The city of the living God.
The heavenly Jerusalem.
Innumerable angels.
The general assembly.
The church of the firstborn.
Names written in heaven.
God the Judge of all.
The spirits of just men made perfect.
Jesus the mediator.
The blood of sprinkling.
This is not small salvation.
The believer belongs to a heavenly city.
Paul says:
Philippians 3:20
“For our conversation is in heaven;
from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Revelation describes the heavenly Jerusalem:
Revelation 21:2–3
“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem,
coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying,
Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men,
and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people,
and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.”
Hebrews 12 says we have already come by faith to the heavenly reality that will one day be seen in fullness.
The Christian life is not merely leaving sin. It is coming to God.
Not merely escaping Egypt.
Coming to Zion.
Not merely avoiding judgment.
Coming to Jesus.
Hebrews 12:24
“And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant,
and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”
Abel’s blood cried from the ground.
Genesis 4:10
“And he said, What hast thou done?
the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.”
Abel’s blood cried for justice.
But Jesus’ blood speaks better things.
Jesus’ blood speaks mercy.
Forgiveness.
Atonement.
Cleansing.
New covenant.
Reconciliation.
Access to God.
Jesus said:
Matthew 26:28
“For this is my blood of the new testament,
which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
Peter says:
1 Peter 1:18–19
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things,
as silver and gold…
But with the precious blood of Christ,
as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
John says:
1 John 1:7
“The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
Revelation says:
Revelation 12:11
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb,
and by the word of their testimony…”
The blood speaks.
When Satan accuses, the blood speaks.
When conscience trembles, the blood speaks.
When sin condemns, the blood speaks.
When death approaches, the blood speaks.
When the believer draws near to God, the blood speaks.
The blood of Abel says, “Justice.”
The blood of Jesus says, “Justice satisfied and mercy given.”
This is why we come to Zion, not by our works, but by the blood.
Hebrews 12:25
“See that ye refuse not him that speaketh.
For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth,
much more shall not we escape,
if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven.”
This is a serious warning.
God speaks.
He spoke at Sinai.
He speaks now through His Son.
Hebrews began this way:
Hebrews 1:1–2
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son…”
If those who refused God’s earthly warning did not escape, how much more serious is it to refuse the voice from heaven?
The gospel is not advice to consider lightly. It is the voice of God calling sinners to Christ.
Jesus said:
John 5:24
“Verily, verily, I say unto you,
He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me,
hath everlasting life,
and shall not come into condemnation;
but is passed from death unto life.”
But He also said:
John 12:48
“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him:
the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.”
Do not refuse Him who speaks.
Do not refuse conviction.
Do not refuse Scripture.
Do not refuse the gospel.
Do not refuse Christ’s warning.
Do not refuse the blood.
Do not refuse grace.
Hebrews 12:26–27
“Whose voice then shook the earth:
but now he hath promised, saying,
Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken,
as of things that are made,
that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.”
This quotes Haggai.
Haggai 2:6–7
“For thus saith the LORD of hosts;
Yet once, it is a little while,
and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;
And I will shake all nations,
and the desire of all nations shall come…”
God will shake creation and nations.
Everything temporary will be exposed.
Everything man-made will fall.
Everything not rooted in God will be removed.
This is both frightening and comforting.
Frightening if your hope is in what can be shaken.
Money can be shaken.
Health can be shaken.
Governments can be shaken.
Careers can be shaken.
Families can be shaken.
Church buildings can be shaken.
Earthly security can be shaken.
The heavens and earth will be shaken.
Peter says:
2 Peter 3:10–11
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night;
in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise,
and the elements shall melt with fervent heat,
the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved,
what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.”
But it is comforting because what cannot be shaken will remain.
God’s kingdom remains.
God’s Word remains.
Christ remains.
The new covenant remains.
The heavenly city remains.
The redeemed people of God remain.
Jesus said:
Matthew 24:35
“Heaven and earth shall pass away,
but my words shall not pass away.”
Build your life on what cannot be shaken.
Hebrews 12:28
“Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved…”
This is one of the great promises of the chapter.
Believers are receiving an unshakable kingdom.
Daniel prophesied:
Daniel 2:44
“And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom,
which shall never be destroyed…”
Again:
Daniel 7:14
“And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom,
that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him:
his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”
Jesus is the King of this kingdom.
Luke 1:32–33
“He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest:
and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever;
and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”
Revelation says:
Revelation 11:15
“The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord,
and of his Christ;
and he shall reign for ever and ever.”
This means the believer’s future is secure.
Our world may shake.
Our body may weaken.
Our plans may fail.
Our culture may collapse.
Our possessions may disappear.
But the kingdom cannot be moved.
So do not live for what is shaking.
Live for what remains.
Hebrews 12:28
“Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”
Grace leads to acceptable service.
Grace does not make us casual.
Grace does not make us careless.
Grace does not remove reverence.
Grace teaches us to worship rightly.
We need grace to serve God acceptably.
Jesus said:
John 4:23–24
“But the hour cometh, and now is,
when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth:
for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
God is a Spirit:
and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
God decides acceptable worship.
Nadab and Abihu learned the danger of careless worship.
Leviticus 10:1–3
“And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron,
took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon,
and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.
And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them,
and they died before the LORD.
Then Moses said unto Aaron,
This is it that the LORD spake, saying,
I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me,
and before all the people I will be glorified.”
God must be approached with reverence.
Grace brings us near, but not casually.
We come boldly by the blood, but we come reverently.
Hebrews 4:16
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace…”
Boldly does not mean arrogantly. It means confidently through Christ.
Hebrews 12:29
“For our God is a consuming fire.”
This final verse comes from Deuteronomy.
Deuteronomy 4:24
“For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.”
God is not tame.
He is holy.
He is jealous for His glory.
He judges sin.
He burns away impurity.
He is not to be mocked.
This verse comes after Mount Zion and the blood of Jesus.
That is important.
The New Covenant does not mean God stopped being holy.
The blood of Jesus does not make God less serious. It shows how serious sin is and how holy God is.
If God were not holy, the cross would not be necessary.
If sin were not serious, Christ would not have died.
So Hebrews ends the chapter with reverence:
Our God is a consuming fire.
Malachi says:
Malachi 3:2–3
“But who may abide the day of his coming?
and who shall stand when he appeareth?
for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:
And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver…”
God’s fire destroys what is wicked and purifies what is His.
Paul says:
1 Corinthians 3:13
“Every man's work shall be made manifest:
for the day shall declare it,
because it shall be revealed by fire;
and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.”
Therefore:
Do not play with sin.
Do not treat worship lightly.
Do not refuse God’s voice.
Do not despise grace.
Do not make peace with bitterness.
Do not trade your birthright like Esau.
Come to Christ.
Run the race.
Follow holiness.
Serve with reverence.
Worship the consuming fire through the blood of Jesus.
Hebrews 12:1
“Let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
Do not drift. Run.
Hebrews 12:1
“Let us lay aside every weight…”
Remove what slows your obedience.
Hebrews 12:1
“And the sin which doth so easily beset us…”
Do not let sin entangle your feet.
Hebrews 12:2
“Looking unto Jesus…”
Your strength is not in yourself but in Christ.
Hebrews 12:3
“For consider him…”
Discouragement grows when we stop considering Jesus.
Hebrews 12:6
“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth…”
Correction is not rejection.
Hebrews 12:10
“That we might be partakers of his holiness.”
God is making His children holy.
Hebrews 12:12
“Lift up the hands which hang down…”
Encourage the weary.
Hebrews 12:14
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness…”
Peace without holiness is compromise. Holiness without peace can become harshness. Pursue both.
Hebrews 12:15
“Lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you…”
Bitterness defiles many.
Hebrews 12:16
“Who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.”
Do not trade eternal blessing for temporary appetite.
Hebrews 12:22
“But ye are come unto mount Sion…”
Your identity is heavenly.
Hebrews 12:25
“See that ye refuse not him that speaketh.”
Do not ignore God’s Word.
Hebrews 12:28
“We receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved…”
Everything else will shake.
Hebrews 12:28–29
“Serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
For our God is a consuming fire.”
Grace and reverence belong together.
Hebrews 12 begins with a race and ends with worship.
It begins with laying aside weights and sins.
It calls us to run with patience.
It tells us to look unto Jesus.
It tells us to consider His suffering.
It teaches us to receive the Father’s discipline.
It calls us to holiness.
It warns us against bitterness and Esau-like worldliness.
It shows us Mount Sinai and Mount Zion.
It brings us to Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant.
It brings us to the blood of sprinkling.
It warns us not to refuse the voice of God.
It tells us everything shakable will be removed.
It promises an unshakable kingdom.
It commands reverent worship.
It ends with this truth:
Hebrews 12:29
“For our God is a consuming fire.”
So, run.
Run with your eyes on Jesus.
Run without the weights.
Run without the besetting sin.
Run when chastened.
Run when weary.
Run when your knees feel weak.
Run toward holiness.
Run away from bitterness.
Run away from Esau’s bargain.
Run toward Zion.
Run under the blood that speaks better things than Abel.
Run listening to the voice from heaven.
Run for the kingdom that cannot be moved.
And when you stumble, look to Jesus.
He is the author and finisher of your faith.
When you are weary, consider Him.
He endured the cross.
When you are ashamed, look to Him.
He despised the shame and sat down at God’s right hand.
When your conscience trembles, come to His blood.
It speaks better things than Abel.
When the world shakes, hold the kingdom.
It cannot be moved.
When you worship, worship with reverence.
Your God is a consuming fire.
Father, we thank You for Hebrews chapter 12.
Teach us to run the race set before us.
Help us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us.
Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
Lord Jesus, we thank You that You endured the cross for the joy set before You.
We thank You that You despised the shame and sat down at the right hand of God.
When we grow weary, help us consider You.
Father, help us receive Your chastening as sons and daughters.
Do not let us despise correction or faint under rebuke.
Make us partakers of Your holiness.
Let Your discipline yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness in us.
Strengthen weak hands and feeble knees.
Make straight paths for our feet.
Heal what is lame.
Help us follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
Uproot bitterness before it defiles many.
Keep us from being profane like Esau, trading eternal things for temporary appetite.
Thank You that we have come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.
Thank You for Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant.
Thank You for the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than Abel.
Lord, give us ears to hear.
Let us not refuse Him who speaks from heaven.
Shake from us what must be shaken.
Root us in the kingdom that cannot be moved.
Give us grace to serve You acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
For our God is a consuming fire.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 40 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main Scriptures: James 3, Matthew 5, Matthew 12, Romans 12, Proverbs, Deuteronomy 28, Galatians 3
Main theme: The Bible treats cursing seriously because words come from the heart, affect others, reveal spiritual condition, and stand before God. Christians are called not to curse, revile, blaspheme, swear falsely, or speak death, but to bless, speak truth, forgive enemies, and use the tongue for the glory of God.
Many people think words are light things.
They say, “It was only a word.”
“It was only a joke.”
“I was only angry.”
“I didn’t mean it.”
“It’s just how I talk.”
“Everyone speaks like that.”
But the Bible does not treat words as small.
God created by His Word.
God gave commandments by His Word.
The prophets spoke the Word of the Lord.
Jesus is called the Word made flesh.
The gospel is preached by words.
Prayer is spoken by words.
Blessing and cursing come through words.
The tongue is small, but Scripture says it can set a whole life on fire.
James 3:5–6
“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things.
Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity:
so is the tongue among our members,
that it defileth the whole body,
and setteth on fire the course of nature;
and it is set on fire of hell.”
That is strong language.
The tongue can defile.
The tongue can burn.
The tongue can wound.
The tongue can bless.
The tongue can curse.
The tongue can reveal what is hidden in the heart.
Jesus said:
Matthew 12:34–37
“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things?
for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things:
and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
But I say unto you,
That every idle word that men shall speak,
they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
For by thy words thou shalt be justified,
and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
Every idle word.
That should make us tremble.
Words matter because words reveal the heart.
Today we are speaking about cursing.
Cursing in Scripture includes more than modern swearing. It includes profanity, blasphemy, calling down evil, speaking death, reviling others, using God’s name vainly, false oaths, bitter speech, and speaking evil against those made in the image of God.
But the gospel calls us to something higher:
Do not curse.
Bless.
Do not revile.
Pray.
Do not speak death.
Speak life.
Do not use God’s name lightly.
Hallow His name.
Do not let corrupt communication come from your mouth.
Speak what ministers grace.
To understand cursing, we must first understand the biblical idea of a curse.
A curse is not merely a bad word. In Scripture, curse is connected with judgment, separation, death, barrenness, and the consequences of sin.
The first curse came after Adam and Eve sinned.
Genesis 3:14
“And the LORD God said unto the serpent,
Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle,
and above every beast of the field;
upon thy belly shalt thou go,
and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life.”
Then God said to Adam:
Genesis 3:17–19
“And unto Adam he said,
Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife,
and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it:
cursed is the ground for thy sake;
in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee;
and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread,
till thou return unto the ground;
for out of it wast thou taken:
for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”
Sin brought the curse.
The serpent was cursed.
The ground was cursed.
Sorrow entered.
Thorns entered.
Sweat entered.
Death entered.
This shows us that curse is not a light thing.
Cursing belongs to the world of sin, judgment, and death.
When man sinned, blessing was disrupted. Creation itself was affected.
Paul says:
Romans 8:20–22
“For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly,
but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption
into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.”
Creation groans because sin brought corruption.
So when we speak of cursing, we are not dealing only with rude language. We are dealing with the language of the fallen world.
In Scripture, God’s curses are righteous judgments.
Man can curse foolishly, angrily, ignorantly, and wickedly.
But God’s judgments are holy.
Deuteronomy 28 lays out blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience under the covenant.
Deuteronomy 28:1–2
“And it shall come to pass,
if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God,
to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day,
that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee,
if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.”
Then later:
Deuteronomy 28:15
“But it shall come to pass,
if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God,
to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day;
that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee.”
Blessing follows obedience.
Cursing follows rebellion.
Deuteronomy says:
Deuteronomy 30:19
“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you,
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing:
therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”
Life and death.
Blessing and cursing.
This is serious.
God’s curse is not emotional rage. It is righteous judgment.
But sinful man often curses from anger, bitterness, pride, hatred, and revenge.
That is why Scripture warns us not to take judgment into our own mouths.
Romans 12:19
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves,
but rather give place unto wrath:
for it is written, Vengeance is mine;
I will repay, saith the Lord.”
Vengeance belongs to God.
Therefore, Christians must be careful with words that call down evil on others.
One major form of sinful cursing is using God’s name vainly.
Exodus 20:7
“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain;
for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”
To take God’s name in vain means to use His name emptily, falsely, lightly, carelessly, or wickedly.
This includes obvious blasphemy and profanity.
But it also includes claiming God’s name while living falsely.
A person may curse with God’s name in the street.
A person may also dishonour God’s name by saying “Lord, Lord” while refusing to obey.
Jesus said:
Luke 6:46
“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”
God’s name is holy.
Jesus taught us to pray:
Matthew 6:9
“Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.”
“Hallowed” means holy, set apart, reverenced.
So the mouth that prays, “Hallowed be Thy name,” must not use God’s name as a curse word.
Psalm says:
Psalm 111:9
“He sent redemption unto his people:
he hath commanded his covenant for ever:
holy and reverend is his name.”
His name is holy and reverend.
Therefore, do not use God’s name to express anger.
Do not use Jesus’ name as an empty exclamation.
Do not attach God’s name to lies.
Do not claim God said what God did not say.
Do not use holy words with an unholy heart.
God will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
James speaks directly about blessing God and cursing people.
James 3:8–10
“But the tongue can no man tame;
it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Therewith bless we God, even the Father;
and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing.
My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”
This passage is very clear.
With the same mouth, people bless God and curse men made in God’s likeness.
James says:
“My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”
Why?
Because man is made in the image of God.
Genesis says:
Genesis 1:26–27
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God created he him;
male and female created he them.”
Even after the fall, human life remains sacred because man bears God’s image.
Genesis 9:6
“Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed:
for in the image of God made he man.”
James applies that to speech.
Do not curse people made in God’s likeness.
This means we must be careful how we speak about:
Our spouse.
Our children.
Our parents.
Our neighbours.
Our enemies.
Political leaders.
Strangers.
Sinners.
The poor.
The rich.
The weak.
Those who annoy us.
Those who persecute us.
Even when someone is wrong, they are still an image-bearer.
That does not mean we cannot rebuke sin. Scripture commands truth. But rebuke is not the same as sinful cursing.
Paul says:
Ephesians 4:15
“But speaking the truth in love,
may grow up into him in all things,
which is the head, even Christ.”
Truth must be spoken in love.
Jesus taught that words come from the heart.
Matthew 15:18–20
“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart;
and they defile the man.
For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts,
false witness, blasphemies:
These are the things which defile a man…”
Blasphemies come from the heart.
Evil speech is not only a tongue problem. It is a heart problem.
Jesus also said:
Luke 6:45
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good;
and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil:
for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”
The mouth reveals the overflow of the heart.
If bitterness fills the heart, bitterness comes out.
If lust fills the heart, uncleanness comes out.
If pride fills the heart, boasting comes out.
If hatred fills the heart, cursing comes out.
If Christ fills the heart, blessing should come out.
So if a person says, “I cannot control my mouth,” the deeper issue is, “Lord, cleanse my heart.”
David prayed:
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a clean heart, O God;
and renew a right spirit within me.”
And:
Psalm 19:14
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart,
be acceptable in thy sight,
O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”
Words and meditation belong together.
If the meditation of the heart is corrupt, the words of the mouth will follow.
Paul gives a direct command.
Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth,
but that which is good to the use of edifying,
that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth.
No corrupt speech.
No rotten speech.
No filthy speech.
No destructive speech.
No speech that spreads death.
Instead, speak what is good for edifying.
That means our words should build up, not tear down.
Paul continues:
Ephesians 4:30–32
“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God,
whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking,
be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
Notice the connection.
Corrupt communication grieves the Holy Spirit.
Bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, evil speaking, and malice must be put away.
Then kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness must come in.
Many people try to fix their tongue while keeping bitterness in their heart. That does not work.
Bitterness produces evil speaking.
Forgiveness produces grace.
Paul also says:
Colossians 3:8
“But now ye also put off all these;
anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”
Filthy communication must be put off like dirty clothing.
Again:
Colossians 4:6
“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt,
that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
Speech with grace.
That is the Christian standard.
The Bible also warns against false oaths and careless swearing.
Jesus said:
Matthew 5:33–37
“Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time,
Thou shalt not forswear thyself,
but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
But I say unto you, Swear not at all;
neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool:
neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
Neither shalt thou swear by thy head,
because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay:
for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”
Jesus is teaching integrity of speech.
The believer’s “yes” should mean yes.
The believer’s “no” should mean no.
We should not need manipulative oaths to make people believe us.
James repeats this:
James 5:12
“But above all things, my brethren, swear not,
neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath:
but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay;
lest ye fall into condemnation.”
This does not forbid every solemn legal oath in every circumstance, because Scripture contains examples of solemn testimony. But it forbids careless, manipulative, false, and vain swearing.
The issue is truthful speech.
Proverbs says:
Proverbs 12:22
“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD:
but they that deal truly are his delight.”
The Christian must not curse, lie, blaspheme, exaggerate, swear falsely, or use words to deceive.
God is truth.
Titus 1:2
“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.”
His people must speak truth.
One of the saddest examples of cursing in the New Testament is Peter’s denial of Christ.
Peter had said he would die with Jesus.
Matthew 26:33–35
“Peter answered and said unto him,
Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee,
That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee.
Likewise also said all the disciples.”
But later, under pressure, Peter denied Jesus.
Matthew 26:69–74
“Now Peter sat without in the palace:
and a damsel came unto him, saying,
Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.
And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him,
and said unto them that were there,
This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.
And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter,
Surely thou also art one of them;
for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man.
And immediately the cock crew.”
Peter began to curse and swear.
Why?
To distance himself from Jesus.
His cursing was not random. It was connected to fear, self-preservation, and denial.
Then Peter remembered Jesus’ words.
Matthew 26:75
“And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him,
Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
And he went out, and wept bitterly.”
This is a warning.
Under pressure, the mouth may reveal fear and unbelief.
But Peter’s story also gives hope.
Peter sinned terribly, but Jesus restored him.
After the resurrection, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Lovest thou me?”
John 21:15–17
“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter,
Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?
He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.
He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?
He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.
He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?
Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me?
And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.
Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”
Peter’s mouth denied Christ, but Christ restored Peter.
If your mouth has sinned, there is mercy in Jesus.
But do not excuse it.
Weep over it.
Confess it.
Receive forgiveness.
Let Christ restore your speech for His service.
The New Testament directly commands believers not to curse others.
Romans 12:14
“Bless them which persecute you:
bless, and curse not.”
This is not natural. It is spiritual.
The flesh says:
Curse those who hurt you.
Insult those who insult you.
Destroy those who oppose you.
Return fire for fire.
Give them what they deserve.
But Jesus says:
Matthew 5:43–45
“Ye have heard that it hath been said,
Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
But I say unto you,
Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you,
and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven…”
Love your enemies.
Bless them that curse you.
Do good to them that hate you.
Pray for them that persecute you.
This is the way of Christ.
Peter writes:
1 Peter 3:8–9
“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another,
love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing:
but contrariwise blessing;
knowing that ye are thereunto called,
that ye should inherit a blessing.”
Do not return railing for railing.
Railing means abusive, reviling speech.
Instead, bless.
Why?
Because you are called to inherit a blessing.
A person who has received blessing from God must not become a fountain of cursing toward others.
Jesus Himself is our example.
1 Peter 2:23
“Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again;
when he suffered, he threatened not;
but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.”
Jesus was reviled, but He did not revile back.
He was cursed by men, yet He prayed:
Luke 23:34
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
That is the Spirit of Christ.
God’s people are called to bless.
The priestly blessing says:
Numbers 6:24–26
“The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”
This is beautiful speech.
Words of keeping.
Words of grace.
Words of peace.
Parents should bless their children with godly words.
Husbands and wives should bless one another with gracious words.
Believers should bless each other with Scripture and prayer.
Paul often blessed the churches.
2 Corinthians 13:14
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Ghost,
be with you all. Amen.”
Again:
Ephesians 6:23–24
“Peace be to the brethren,
and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.”
The Christian mouth should become a channel of grace.
Proverbs says:
Proverbs 10:11
“The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life:
but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.”
And:
Proverbs 10:21
“The lips of the righteous feed many:
but fools die for want of wisdom.”
The lips of the righteous feed many.
What does your mouth feed people?
Fear or faith?
Bitterness or grace?
Lust or holiness?
Death or life?
Confusion or truth?
Cursing or blessing?
Proverbs says:
Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue:
and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
The tongue can speak death or life.
God calls His people to speak life.
Cursing is not only shouting bad words. Evil speaking also includes slander, gossip, backbiting, mockery, and reviling.
Paul says:
Titus 3:1–2
“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers,
to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
To speak evil of no man,
to be no brawlers, but gentle,
shewing all meekness unto all men.”
“Speak evil of no man.”
Peter says:
1 Peter 2:1
“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies,
and envies, and all evil speakings.”
James says:
James 4:11
“Speak not evil one of another, brethren.
He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother,
speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law:
but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.”
Proverbs says:
Proverbs 16:28
“A froward man soweth strife:
and a whisperer separateth chief friends.”
A whisperer can divide close friends.
Again:
Proverbs 26:20
“Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out:
so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.”
Gossip is wood on the fire.
Many people would never use obvious curse words, but they curse others through slander.
They curse a person’s reputation.
They curse a person’s family.
They curse a person’s future.
They curse a person’s motives.
They speak evil in private and call it concern.
But God hears whispering too.
Jesus said every idle word will be judged.
Matthew 12:36
“But I say unto you,
That every idle word that men shall speak,
they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
Therefore, we must repent not only of profanity, but also of gossip, slander, and evil speaking.
The Bible gives severe warnings about cursing father or mother.
Exodus 21:17
“And he that curseth his father, or his mother,
shall surely be put to death.”
Again:
Leviticus 20:9
“For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death:
he hath cursed his father or his mother;
his blood shall be upon him.”
Under Israel’s law, cursing parents was treated as a serious covenant crime.
Why?
Because God established family order.
The fifth commandment says:
Exodus 20:12
“Honour thy father and thy mother:
that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”
Paul repeats:
Ephesians 6:1–3
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord:
for this is right.
Honour thy father and mother;
which is the first commandment with promise;
That it may be well with thee,
and thou mayest live long on the earth.”
Now, this does not mean parents are always right. It does not excuse abuse. It does not mean adult children must obey sinful commands. But it does mean the tongue must not be given over to dishonour, contempt, hatred, and cursing.
Proverbs says:
Proverbs 20:20
“Whoso curseth his father or his mother,
his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.”
And:
Proverbs 30:11
“There is a generation that curseth their father,
and doth not bless their mother.”
A generation that curses parents is a rebellious generation.
The Christian must learn honour, even when boundaries are needed.
Speak truth, but do not curse.
The Bible also warns against reviling authority.
Exodus 22:28
“Thou shalt not revile the gods,
nor curse the ruler of thy people.”
Here “gods” refers to judges or authorities, and the command warns against reviling rulers.
Paul once unknowingly spoke sharply to the high priest. When corrected, he said:
Acts 23:4–5
“And they that stood by said,
Revilest thou God's high priest?
Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest:
for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.”
This does not mean rulers cannot be rebuked. The prophets rebuked kings. John the Baptist rebuked Herod. Jesus called Herod a fox.
But there is a difference between righteous rebuke and sinful reviling.
Paul teaches:
1 Timothy 2:1–2
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
For kings, and for all that are in authority;
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
The Christian response to authority includes prayer.
Even when rulers are wicked, our mouths must not be ruled by hatred.
We can speak truth.
We can oppose evil.
We can expose injustice.
We can obey God rather than men when necessary.
Acts 5:29
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said,
We ought to obey God rather than men.”
But even in opposition, the Christian tongue must remain under God.
The story of Balaam is important because it shows that no curse can overthrow what God has blessed.
Balak wanted Balaam to curse Israel.
Numbers 22:6
“Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people;
for they are too mighty for me:
peradventure I shall prevail,
that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land:
for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed,
and he whom thou cursest is cursed.”
But God said:
Numbers 22:12
“And God said unto Balaam,
Thou shalt not go with them;
thou shalt not curse the people:
for they are blessed.”
“They are blessed.”
Balaam later said:
Numbers 23:8
“How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed?
or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied?”
And:
Numbers 23:20
“Behold, I have received commandment to bless:
and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.”
This is powerful.
What God blesses, man cannot reverse.
This should comfort the believer.
If you are in Christ, the world may curse you, but God has blessed you.
Paul says:
Ephesians 1:3
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”
In Christ, the believer is blessed with all spiritual blessings.
That does not mean no one can speak evil against you. They can.
It does not mean you will never suffer. You will.
But it means no curse can separate you from Christ.
Romans 8:31
“What shall we then say to these things?
If God be for us, who can be against us?”
And:
Romans 8:38–39
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers,
nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God,
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The enemy may curse, but God’s blessing in Christ stands.
The deepest answer to the curse is the cross of Jesus Christ.
Because of sin, humanity is under curse.
The law exposes guilt.
Paul says:
Galatians 3:10
“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse:
for it is written,
Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”
If you try to be justified by law-keeping, you are under a curse, because the law requires perfect obedience.
But Christ redeemed us.
Galatians 3:13–14
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law,
being made a curse for us:
for it is written,
Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ;
that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
This is the heart of the gospel.
Christ redeemed us from the curse by being made a curse for us.
He took the place of the cursed.
Deuteronomy says:
Deuteronomy 21:22–23
“And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death,
and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree:
His body shall not remain all night upon the tree,
but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day;
for he that is hanged is accursed of God…”
Jesus was nailed to a tree.
Peter says:
1 Peter 2:24
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree,
that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness:
by whose stripes ye were healed.”
Jesus bore our sins in His body on the tree.
Isaiah says:
Isaiah 53:4–6
“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows:
yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him;
and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned every one to his own way;
and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
The curse of sin falls on Christ so the blessing of God may come to those who believe.
That means the Christian should never boast in himself.
We were under curse.
Christ became a curse.
Now we receive blessing through faith.
This should change our speech.
How can a mouth redeemed by Christ’s curse continue to pour out curses?
At the cross, Jesus was mocked, reviled, and cursed by men.
Matthew 27:39–44
“And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,
save thyself.
If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
He saved others; himself he cannot save…
The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.”
They reviled Him.
But Jesus did not curse them back.
Luke 23:34
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them;
for they know not what they do.”
This is the opposite of the natural man.
The natural man curses when cursed.
Jesus prayed forgiveness.
Peter says:
1 Peter 2:21–23
“For even hereunto were ye called:
because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example,
that ye should follow his steps:
Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again;
when he suffered, he threatened not;
but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.”
No guile in His mouth.
No deceit.
No sinful threat.
No reviling back.
Jesus committed Himself to the righteous Judge.
That is how Christians overcome the urge to curse.
We trust God to judge rightly.
If Jesus is Lord, He must be Lord of the mouth.
Paul says:
Romans 10:9
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,
and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead,
thou shalt be saved.”
The mouth confesses Jesus as Lord.
But James asks how the same mouth can bless God and curse men.
If the mouth belongs to Jesus, it cannot remain a fountain of cursing.
Paul says:
Romans 6:13
“Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:
but yield yourselves unto God,
as those that are alive from the dead,
and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”
The tongue is a member of the body.
Therefore, yield the tongue to God.
Pray like David:
Psalm 141:3
“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth;
keep the door of my lips.”
And:
Psalm 34:13
“Keep thy tongue from evil,
and thy lips from speaking guile.”
Ask God to guard your mouth.
Before you speak, ask:
Is it true?
Is it necessary?
Is it loving?
Is it holy?
Does it edify?
Would I say it before Jesus?
Does it minister grace?
Does it bless or curse?
Cursing belongs to the old life, not the new life in Christ.
Paul says:
1 Corinthians 6:9–11
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?
Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers,
nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners,
shall inherit the kingdom of God.
And such were some of you:
but ye are washed,
but ye are sanctified,
but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus,
and by the Spirit of our God.”
Notice “revilers” are included.
A reviler is one who abuses with words.
Paul says, “Such were some of you.”
Were.
Not are.
The Christian has been washed, sanctified, and justified.
Therefore, old speech must be put away.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new.”
New life should produce new language.
This does not mean a believer never stumbles in words.
James says:
James 3:2
“For in many things we offend all.
If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man,
and able also to bridle the whole body.”
We all stumble in many ways.
But stumbling is different from making peace with sin.
When a Christian sins with the mouth, he should confess, repent, ask forgiveness where needed, and seek cleansing.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
The mouth was made for worship.
Psalm 34:1
“I will bless the LORD at all times:
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
Continually.
David says:
Psalm 63:3–4
“Because thy lovingkindness is better than life,
my lips shall praise thee.
Thus will I bless thee while I live:
I will lift up my hands in thy name.”
And:
Psalm 71:8
“Let my mouth be filled with thy praise
and with thy honour all the day.”
A mouth filled with praise has less room for cursing.
Paul says:
Ephesians 5:3–4
“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness,
let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient:
but rather giving of thanks.”
Notice the replacement:
Not filthiness.
Not foolish talking.
Not sinful joking.
But thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving cleanses the tongue.
A grateful heart speaks differently.
If you struggle with cursing, cultivate praise.
Bless God in the morning.
Thank God for food.
Sing psalms and hymns.
Speak Scripture.
Pray for enemies.
Encourage believers.
Confess Christ openly.
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 13:15
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually,
that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
The fruit of our lips should give thanks to His name.
The Bible begins with the curse entering because of sin.
But the Bible ends with no more curse.
Revelation 22:3–5
“And there shall be no more curse:
but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it;
and his servants shall serve him:
And they shall see his face;
and his name shall be in their foreheads.
And there shall be no night there;
and they need no candle, neither light of the sun;
for the Lord God giveth them light:
and they shall reign for ever and ever.”
No more curse.
That is the final hope of the redeemed.
No more cursed ground.
No more sin.
No more death.
No more blasphemy.
No more slander.
No more reviling.
No more hatred.
No more evil speech.
No more bitterness.
No more serpent.
No more separation.
The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be there.
This is why Christ came.
He came to redeem us from the curse, cleanse us from sin, renew our hearts, and prepare us for a world where no curse remains.
If we are headed toward a kingdom with no curse, our mouths should begin to sound like that kingdom now.
Jesus said:
Matthew 6:10
“Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
In heaven, there is no cursing against God.
No blasphemy.
No bitterness.
No reviling.
No filthy communication.
If we pray, “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven,” then we must ask:
Lord, let my mouth become more like heaven now.
Do not excuse it.
Proverbs 28:13
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper:
but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
Confess and forsake.
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a clean heart, O God;
and renew a right spirit within me.”
The tongue changes as the heart changes.
Psalm 141:3
“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth;
keep the door of my lips.”
Ask God to place a guard at the door.
James 1:19
“Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
Many curses come from fast anger.
Ephesians 4:31
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking,
be put away from you, with all malice.”
If bitterness remains, cursing will return.
Ephesians 4:32
“Forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
Forgiven people must become forgiving people.
Romans 12:14
“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.”
Do not merely stop speaking evil. Start speaking blessing.
Colossians 3:16
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
A mouth filled with the Word and worship becomes cleaner.
Matthew 12:36
“Every idle word that men shall speak,
they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
Words are accountable.
1 Peter 2:23
“Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again…”
Jesus is the model and the Saviour.
The Bible is clear.
Cursing is not small.
Profanity is not harmless.
Blasphemy is not funny.
Reviling is not righteous.
Gossip is not love.
Slander is not truth.
False oaths are not acceptable.
Using God’s name vainly is not light.
Cursing people made in God’s image is evil.
The tongue reveals the heart.
James says:
James 3:11–12
“Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries?
either a vine, figs?
so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.”
What kind of fountain is your mouth?
Bitter or sweet?
Death or life?
Cursing or blessing?
Jesus Christ came to redeem cursed sinners.
He bore the curse on the tree.
Galatians 3:13
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law,
being made a curse for us…”
He was reviled, but did not revile again.
He was cursed by men, yet prayed forgiveness.
He shed His blood to cleanse not only our actions, but our hearts and mouths.
So bring your tongue to the cross.
Say:
Lord, forgive my cursing.
Forgive my blasphemy.
Forgive my evil speaking.
Forgive my gossip.
Forgive my anger.
Forgive my bitter words.
Forgive my careless use of Your name.
Cleanse my heart.
Cleanse my mouth.
Make my speech holy.
And then choose blessing.
Bless your family.
Bless your enemies.
Bless the Lord.
Bless the brethren.
Speak truth.
Speak grace.
Speak life.
Speak the gospel.
Speak praise.
Psalm 34:1
“I will bless the LORD at all times:
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
May that be our testimony.
Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ.
Forgive us for every sinful word.
Forgive us for cursing, blasphemy, profanity, slander, gossip, false oaths, angry speech, and careless words.
Forgive us for using our mouths to tear down those made in Your image.
Forgive us for blessing You with our lips while cursing others from the same mouth.
Lord, cleanse our hearts.
Create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us.
Set a watch before our mouths and keep the door of our lips.
Thank You for Jesus Christ, who became a curse for us on the tree.
Thank You that He was reviled but did not revile again.
Thank You that His blood cleanses from all sin.
Teach us to bless and curse not.
Teach us to speak truth in love.
Teach us to minister grace to the hearers.
Teach us to forgive as we have been forgiven.
Teach us to praise You continually.
May the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 40 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main Scriptures: Exodus 20, Deuteronomy 5, Matthew 22, Mark 12, Romans 3, Romans 13, Galatians 3, James 2
Main theme: The Ten Commandments reveal the holy character of God, expose the sinfulness of man, teach us what love looks like, and point us to Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law and saves sinners by grace.
The Ten Commandments are not just old religious rules.
They are not merely ancient moral advice.
They are not human opinions.
They are not Moses’ private philosophy.
They are not Israel’s cultural invention.
They are the commandments of the living God.
The Bible says:
Exodus 20:1–2
“And God spake all these words, saying,
I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.”
Before God gives the commandments, He first reveals Himself:
“I am the LORD thy God.”
Then He reminds Israel of redemption:
“I brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.”
That order matters.
God does not say, “Keep these commandments so I might decide whether to deliver you from Egypt.”
He says, “I have delivered you; now walk as My people.”
The law was given to a redeemed people.
The commandments teach us what life under God’s rule looks like.
They show us:
God alone must be worshipped.
God must not be replaced with idols.
God’s name must be honoured.
God’s day must be remembered.
Parents must be honoured.
Human life must be protected.
Marriage must be guarded.
Property must be respected.
Truth must be spoken.
The heart must not covet.
But Jesus shows us the deep centre of the law.
When asked which commandment is greatest, He answered:
Matthew 22:37–40
“Jesus said unto him,
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it,
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
This is the key.
The Ten Commandments are not separate from love. They show us what love looks like.
The first commandments teach us how to love God.
The later commandments teach us how to love our neighbour.
Love is not lawlessness.
Love fulfils the law.
Paul says:
Romans 13:10
“Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
So today we will walk through the Ten Commandments and see how they connect to the great commandment, to the gospel, and to our daily lives.
Exodus 20:3
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”
The first commandment is about worship.
God demands exclusive worship because God alone is God.
He is not one god among many.
He is not one option among many religions.
He is not one spiritual power in a crowded universe.
He is the LORD.
Moses said:
Deuteronomy 6:4–5
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart,
and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”
This is the very passage Jesus quoted as the greatest commandment.
The first commandment says, “No other gods.”
The great commandment says, “Love the LORD thy God with all thy heart.”
These are the same truth from two sides.
If you love God with all your heart, you will have no other gods.
If you have other gods, you do not love Him with all your heart.
An idol does not have to be a statue. An idol is anything we give God’s place to.
Money can become a god.
Pleasure can become a god.
Family can become a god.
Career can become a god.
Self can become a god.
Government can become a god.
Religion can become a god.
Fear can become a god.
Approval can become a god.
Jesus said:
Matthew 6:24
“No man can serve two masters:
for either he will hate the one, and love the other;
or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.
Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
You cannot serve God and mammon.
Joshua said:
Joshua 24:15
“Choose you this day whom ye will serve;
whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood,
or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell:
but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
The first commandment calls us to choose the Lord.
Jesus Himself defeated Satan’s temptation with this truth.
Matthew 4:10
“Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan:
for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”
Him only.
That is the first commandment.
Application:
Ask yourself honestly: What has first place in my heart? What do I trust? What do I fear losing most? What do I obey even when it contradicts God? What do I run to for comfort instead of God?
The first commandment is not only about the gods of Egypt. It is about the throne of the heart.
Exodus 20:4–6
“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image,
or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above,
or that is in the earth beneath,
or that is in the water under the earth:
Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them:
for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God,
visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.”
The first commandment tells us whom to worship.
The second commandment tells us how not to worship.
We must not make images and bow to them.
God is spirit. God cannot be reduced to a statue, painting, object, carving, or human imagination.
John 4:24
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
Israel broke this commandment quickly with the golden calf.
Exodus 32:4
“And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool,
after he had made it a molten calf:
and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.”
They tried to worship through an image, but God judged it as idolatry.
God said through Isaiah:
Isaiah 42:8
“I am the LORD: that is my name:
and my glory will I not give to another,
neither my praise to graven images.”
Paul says idolatry exchanges the truth of God for a lie.
Romans 1:22–25
“Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man,
and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts…
Who changed the truth of God into a lie,
and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”
The second commandment protects the glory of God.
God is not to be worshipped according to man’s imagination, but according to His revelation.
Jesus said true worship must be “in spirit and in truth.”
This commandment links to the great commandment because love does not invent a false version of God. Love receives God as He has revealed Himself.
Application:
Do not worship a god of your own imagination.
Do not say, “My god would never judge sin,” if Scripture says God is holy.
Do not say, “My god only wants me happy,” if Scripture says God calls you to holiness.
Do not create a false Jesus who never calls for repentance.
Do not bow to images of success, beauty, money, nation, or self.
John ends his first epistle with this warning:
1 John 5:21
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.”
Exodus 20:7
“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain;
for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”
God’s name is holy because God is holy.
To take God’s name in vain means to use it emptily, falsely, carelessly, lightly, or wickedly.
This includes blasphemy and profanity.
It includes using God’s name as a curse word.
It includes false oaths.
It includes claiming God said what He did not say.
It includes calling yourself God’s person while living in rebellion.
Jesus taught us to pray:
Matthew 6:9
“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”
“Hallowed” means holy, reverenced, set apart.
The mouth that prays “Hallowed be thy name” must not treat God’s name as common.
David said:
Psalm 29:2
“Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name;
worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.”
And:
Psalm 111:9
“He sent redemption unto his people:
he hath commanded his covenant for ever:
holy and reverend is his name.”
God’s name is holy and reverend.
Jesus warned that not everyone who says “Lord” truly belongs to Him.
Matthew 7:21
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;
but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
It is possible to say “Lord” with the lips and reject Him in the life.
That is also taking His name in vain.
Paul warned:
Romans 2:24
“For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.”
When God’s people live hypocritically, God’s name is dishonoured among unbelievers.
Application:
Use God’s name with reverence.
Do not joke with holy things.
Do not attach God’s name to lies.
Do not say “God told me” unless God’s Word supports what you are saying.
Do not call yourself Christian while despising Christ’s commandments.
Honour His name in speech, worship, business, family, and private life.
Exodus 20:8–11
“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God:
in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter,
thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle,
nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that in them is,
and rested the seventh day:
wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.”
The Sabbath commandment is rooted in creation.
God made heaven and earth in six days and rested on the seventh.
The Sabbath reminded Israel that time belongs to God.
Work is good, but work is not God.
Rest is holy when received under God.
Man is not a machine.
Servants and animals were also to rest.
God cares about worship, rest, mercy, and order.
Deuteronomy also connects the Sabbath to redemption from Egypt.
Deuteronomy 5:15
“And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt,
and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm:
therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.”
So Sabbath speaks of creation and redemption.
Jesus taught that the Sabbath was made for man.
Mark 2:27–28
“And he said unto them,
The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:
Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.”
Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath.
The Pharisees turned Sabbath into a burden of man-made rules. But Jesus showed mercy on the Sabbath.
Matthew 12:11–12
“And he said unto them,
What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep,
and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?
How much then is a man better than a sheep?
Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.”
The Sabbath points to rest in God.
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 4:9–10
“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
For he that is entered into his rest,
he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.”
The deepest rest is found in Christ.
Jesus said:
Matthew 11:28–30
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Application:
Do not let work become your god.
Do not let busyness destroy worship.
Do not let money rule your time.
Set apart time for God.
Rest in Christ, not in your own works.
Gather with God’s people.
Remember that your days belong to the Lord.
The early Christians gathered on the first day of the week because Jesus rose on the first day.
Acts 20:7
“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them…”
And:
Revelation 1:10
“I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day…”
The Christian does not rest in legalism, but in Christ. Yet we must not become careless with worship, rest, and the Lord’s time.
Exodus 20:12
“Honour thy father and thy mother:
that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”
This is the first commandment dealing directly with human relationships.
It begins with family.
If love for neighbour begins anywhere, it begins at home.
Paul repeats this commandment:
Ephesians 6:1–3
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Honour thy father and mother;
which is the first commandment with promise;
That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”
Children are commanded to obey parents in the Lord.
But honour does not end when childhood ends. Adult children may no longer obey parents in the same way, but they still owe honour, respect, care, and gratitude where possible.
Jesus rebuked religious leaders who used tradition to avoid caring for parents.
Mark 7:9–13
“And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God,
that ye may keep your own tradition.
For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother;
and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother,
It is Corban, that is to say, a gift,
by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;
Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition…”
They used religion to avoid responsibility. Jesus condemned it.
Honouring parents does not mean obeying sinful commands.
It does not mean allowing abuse to continue.
It does not mean parents are always right.
But it does mean we must not be rebellious, contemptuous, cruel, ungrateful, or dishonouring.
This commandment also teaches order and authority.
If children are trained to despise parents, they often grow to despise all authority, including God.
Proverbs says:
Proverbs 1:8–9
“My son, hear the instruction of thy father,
and forsake not the law of thy mother:
For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head,
and chains about thy neck.”
Application:
Honour your parents where possible.
Care for them if they are aged or in need.
Speak respectfully.
Forgive where needed.
Set boundaries where necessary, but do not let bitterness rule.
Parents, live honourably so your children can see Christ in you.
Exodus 20:13
“Thou shalt not kill.”
This commandment forbids murder.
Human life is sacred because man is made in God’s image.
Genesis 9:6
“Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed:
for in the image of God made he man.”
Murder is not merely a crime against man. It is an attack on the image of God.
The first murder happened when Cain killed Abel.
Genesis 4:8–10
“And Cain talked with Abel his brother:
and it came to pass, when they were in the field,
that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother?
And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?
And he said, What hast thou done?
the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.”
Blood cries to God.
But Jesus deepened our understanding of this commandment.
Matthew 5:21–22
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time,
Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
But I say unto you,
That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment:
and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council:
but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.”
Jesus exposes murder in seed form.
Unrighteous anger.
Hatred.
Contempt.
Dehumanising speech.
Bitterness.
Revenge.
John says:
1 John 3:15
“Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer:
and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.”
The sixth commandment does not only say, “Do not physically murder.”
It also says:
Do not hate.
Do not dehumanise.
Do not cherish revenge.
Do not curse those made in God’s image.
Do not destroy life with your tongue.
Do not despise the vulnerable.
It also calls us to protect life.
The unborn child is known by God.
Psalm 139:13–14
“For thou hast possessed my reins:
thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”
The weak and needy must be defended.
Proverbs 31:8–9
“Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”
Application:
Love your neighbour by honouring life.
Put away hatred.
Seek reconciliation.
Protect the vulnerable.
Do not murder with your hands, heart, or tongue.
Exodus 20:14
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.”
This commandment protects marriage.
Marriage is not man’s invention. God instituted it.
Genesis 2:24
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother,
and shall cleave unto his wife:
and they shall be one flesh.”
Jesus affirmed this.
Matthew 19:4–6
“And he answered and said unto them,
Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife:
and they twain shall be one flesh?
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh.
What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Adultery attacks covenant.
It wounds spouse, family, children, church, and soul.
But Jesus again takes the commandment deeper.
Matthew 5:27–28
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time,
Thou shalt not commit adultery:
But I say unto you,
That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her
hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
Jesus exposes adultery in the heart.
Lust is not harmless.
Pornography is not harmless.
Secret fantasy is not harmless.
Emotional adultery is not harmless.
Flirtation with sin is not harmless.
The body belongs to God.
1 Corinthians 6:18–20
“Flee fornication.
Every sin that a man doeth is without the body;
but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you,
which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
For ye are bought with a price:
therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”
“Flee fornication.”
Do not negotiate. Flee.
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled:
but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
The seventh commandment is love in action.
To love your spouse is to be faithful.
To love your neighbour is not to violate their marriage.
To love God is to honour His design.
To love yourself rightly is to flee sexual sin.
Application:
Guard your eyes.
Guard your heart.
Guard your marriage.
Honour your vows.
Flee lust.
Confess sin quickly.
Seek cleansing in Christ.
Exodus 20:15
“Thou shalt not steal.”
This commandment protects property, labour, trust, and justice.
Stealing says, “I have the right to take what God has not given me.”
It can happen in many ways:
Theft.
Fraud.
Dishonest business.
Unpaid wages.
False weights.
Cheating.
Corruption.
Tax dishonesty.
Taking credit for another’s work.
Refusing to repay debts.
Wasting an employer’s time.
God hates dishonest measures.
Proverbs 11:1
“A false balance is abomination to the LORD:
but a just weight is his delight.”
James warns rich oppressors:
James 5:4
“Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields,
which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth:
and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.”
Stealing wages is theft.
Paul gives the positive opposite of stealing.
Ephesians 4:28
“Let him that stole steal no more:
but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good,
that he may have to give to him that needeth.”
This is beautiful.
Do not steal.
Work honestly.
Give generously.
The thief becomes a giver through grace.
Zacchaeus is an example.
Luke 19:8–10
“And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord;
Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor;
and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation,
I restore him fourfold.
And Jesus said unto him,
This day is salvation come to this house…
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Salvation changed his relationship to money.
Application:
Be honest.
Pay what you owe.
Do not cheat.
Do not defraud.
Work faithfully.
Give to those in need.
Let Christ turn greed into generosity.
Exodus 20:16
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.”
This commandment protects truth and reputation.
God is truth. Satan is a liar.
Jesus said of the devil:
John 8:44
“He was a murderer from the beginning,
and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him.
When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own:
for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
Lying is satanic in nature because Satan is the father of lies.
God hates lying lips.
Proverbs 12:22
“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD:
but they that deal truly are his delight.”
False witness includes:
Lying in court.
False accusation.
Slander.
Gossip.
Exaggeration.
Twisting words.
Concealing truth to harm another.
Spreading rumours.
Bearing testimony without knowledge.
Proverbs says:
Proverbs 6:16–19
“These six things doth the LORD hate:
yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
A proud look, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations,
feet that be swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies,
and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
A lying tongue and false witness are abominations to God.
Paul says:
Ephesians 4:25
“Wherefore putting away lying,
speak every man truth with his neighbour:
for we are members one of another.”
Truth is required because we belong to one another.
Jesus said:
Matthew 5:37
“But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay:
for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”
Application:
Speak truth.
Do not exaggerate to win arguments.
Do not spread things you do not know.
Do not destroy another person’s name with careless words.
Do not use truth in a malicious way.
Let your yes be yes and your no be no.
Christians follow the One who is Truth.
John 14:6
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life…”
Exodus 20:17
“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house,
thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife,
nor his manservant, nor his maidservant,
nor his ox, nor his ass,
nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.”
The tenth commandment goes straight to the heart.
Coveting is sinful desire for what God has not given you.
It is inward greed.
It is discontentment.
It is envy.
It is the heart saying, “God has not given me enough.”
Paul said this commandment exposed his sin.
Romans 7:7
“What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid.
Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law:
for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.”
The tenth commandment proves that God’s law deals not only with outward actions, but inward desires.
A person may never physically steal, but still covet.
A person may never commit adultery outwardly, but still covet another’s spouse.
A person may never lie in court, but still envy another’s reputation.
A person may never murder, but still resent another’s success.
Coveting leads to other sins.
Achan coveted and stole.
Joshua 7:21
“When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment,
and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight,
then I coveted them, and took them…”
David coveted Bathsheba, then committed adultery and arranged murder.
James explains the process:
James 1:14–15
“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin:
and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
The cure for coveting is contentment in God.
Hebrews 13:5
“Let your conversation be without covetousness;
and be content with such things as ye have:
for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
Paul said:
Philippians 4:11–13
“For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound:
every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry,
both to abound and to suffer need.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Application:
Thank God for what He has given.
Do not envy another person’s life.
Do not measure God’s goodness by someone else’s blessing.
Kill coveting with gratitude.
Find your treasure in Christ.
Jesus summarised the law in two great commandments.
Matthew 22:37–40
“Jesus said unto him,
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it,
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
The Ten Commandments fit under these two.
These teach love for God.
These teach love for neighbour.
Paul says the same:
Romans 13:8–10
“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another:
for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal,
Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet;
and if there be any other commandment,
it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely,
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Love worketh no ill to his neighbour:
therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
Love does not murder.
Love does not commit adultery.
Love does not steal.
Love does not lie.
Love does not covet.
This destroys the false idea that love means ignoring commandments.
Biblical love fulfils God’s moral will.
Jesus said:
John 14:15
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
And:
John 15:10
“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love;
even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.”
Love and obedience belong together.
The law is holy, but it cannot save sinners by their own works.
Paul says:
Romans 3:19–20
“Now we know that what things soever the law saith,
it saith to them who are under the law:
that every mouth may be stopped,
and all the world may become guilty before God.
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight:
for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”
The law stops every mouth.
It does not allow boasting.
When we compare ourselves with other people, we may feel righteous.
But when we stand before God’s law, we are exposed.
Have you always loved God with all your heart?
Have you ever put something before God?
Have you ever made a false god in your mind?
Have you ever used God’s name vainly?
Have you always honoured worship and rest?
Have you always honoured parents rightly?
Have you ever hated?
Have you ever lusted?
Have you ever taken what was not yours?
Have you ever lied?
Have you ever coveted?
The law says we are guilty.
Paul says:
Romans 7:12
“Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.”
The problem is not the law. The problem is us.
The law is like a mirror. It shows dirt, but it cannot wash it away.
James uses mirror language:
James 1:23–25
“For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer,
he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way,
and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein…
this man shall be blessed in his deed.”
The law reveals our need.
It drives us to Christ.
Jesus said:
Matthew 5:17–18
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets:
I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
For verily I say unto you,
Till heaven and earth pass,
one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law,
till all be fulfilled.”
Jesus did not destroy the law. He fulfilled it.
He fulfilled its righteous requirements.
He fulfilled its prophecies.
He fulfilled its shadows and sacrifices.
He fulfilled perfect obedience.
He fulfilled love for God and love for neighbour.
Jesus never broke the first commandment. He worshipped the Father perfectly.
John 8:29
“And he that sent me is with me:
the Father hath not left me alone;
for I do always those things that please him.”
Jesus never committed idolatry.
Jesus never took God’s name in vain.
Jesus honoured the Father.
Jesus loved perfectly.
Jesus never hated sinfully.
Jesus never lusted.
Jesus never stole.
Jesus never lied.
Jesus never coveted.
Peter says:
1 Peter 2:22
“Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.”
Hebrews says:
Hebrews 4:15
“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
Jesus is the only man who perfectly kept the law.
Then He died for lawbreakers.
Isaiah 53:5–6
“But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him;
and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned every one to his own way;
and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
Paul says:
2 Corinthians 5:21
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Christ knew no sin.
We broke the law.
He bore the curse.
By faith, we receive righteousness in Him.
This must be clear.
No sinner is justified by keeping the Ten Commandments, because no sinner has kept them perfectly.
Paul says:
Galatians 2:16
“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law,
but by the faith of Jesus Christ,
even we have believed in Jesus Christ,
that we might be justified by the faith of Christ,
and not by the works of the law:
for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”
Again:
Ephesians 2:8–9
“For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
If salvation were by commandment-keeping, no one would be saved.
The law reveals sin.
Christ saves sinners.
Galatians says:
Galatians 3:24
“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ,
that we might be justified by faith.”
The law is a schoolmaster. It brings us to Christ.
It shows us our guilt, our failure, our need for mercy.
Then we flee to Jesus.
Romans 10:4
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”
Christ is the goal, fulfilment, and righteousness for everyone who believes.
The gospel does not mean God makes people lawless.
The new covenant changes the heart.
God promised:
Jeremiah 31:33–34
“But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel;
After those days, saith the LORD,
I will put my law in their inward parts,
and write it in their hearts;
and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD:
for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD:
for I will forgive their iniquity,
and I will remember their sin no more.”
God writes His law on the heart.
Ezekiel says:
Ezekiel 36:26–27
“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you:
and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh,
and I will give you an heart of flesh.
And I will put my spirit within you,
and cause you to walk in my statutes,
and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.”
The Spirit causes obedience.
The Christian does not obey to become saved.
The Christian obeys because God has given new life.
Jesus said:
John 14:23
“If a man love me, he will keep my words:
and my Father will love him,
and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”
Obedience is the fruit of love.
James calls the command to love neighbour the royal law.
James 2:8–11
“If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture,
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin,
and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point,
he is guilty of all.
For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill.
Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill,
thou art become a transgressor of the law.”
This is important.
The law is unified because it comes from one God.
You cannot choose some commandments and ignore others.
James says if you offend in one point, you are guilty of all.
This humbles us.
The law does not allow us to say, “I have only broken one commandment.”
One sin makes us lawbreakers.
But James also says love your neighbour as yourself.
Jesus told the parable of the good Samaritan to show neighbour-love.
Luke 10:36–37
“Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
And he said, He that shewed mercy on him.
Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.”
Neighbour-love is mercy in action.
It is not enough to say, “I did not kill.”
Did I help preserve life?
It is not enough to say, “I did not steal.”
Did I give to the needy?
It is not enough to say, “I did not lie.”
Did I speak truth in love?
It is not enough to say, “I did not commit adultery.”
Did I honour marriage and purity?
The law of love is active.
Jesus did not lower the law. He exposed its depth.
He said:
Matthew 5:20
“For I say unto you,
That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees,
ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
The Pharisees had outward religion, but Jesus exposed the heart.
On murder:
Matthew 5:21–22
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill…
But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment…”
On adultery:
Matthew 5:27–28
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her
hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
On truthfulness:
Matthew 5:37
“But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay:
for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”
On love:
Matthew 5:44–45
“But I say unto you,
Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you,
and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven…”
Jesus shows that the law reaches the heart.
This should drive us to humility and dependence on grace.
We need forgiveness.
We need a new heart.
We need the Holy Spirit.
We need Christ.
When we honestly face the Ten Commandments, we must confess:
We have had other gods.
We have made idols in our hearts.
We have dishonoured God’s name.
We have neglected worship and rest.
We have dishonoured authority.
We have hated.
We have lusted.
We have stolen in thought or action.
We have lied.
We have coveted.
The law shuts our mouths.
Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
The wages of sin is death.
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death;
but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
The law says guilty.
But the gospel says Christ died for the guilty.
Romans 5:8–9
“But God commendeth his love toward us,
in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood,
we shall be saved from wrath through him.”
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law.
Galatians 3:13
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law,
being made a curse for us:
for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.”
Jesus took the curse lawbreakers deserve.
At the cross, justice and mercy meet.
Psalm 85:10
“Mercy and truth are met together;
righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”
The Ten Commandments show us sin.
The cross shows us salvation.
Some people think grace means commandments no longer matter.
That is false.
Paul asks:
Romans 6:1–2
“What shall we say then?
Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
God forbid.
How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”
Grace does not lead us into sin. Grace frees us from sin.
Paul says:
Galatians 5:13–14
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty;
only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh,
but by love serve one another.
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this;
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
Christian liberty is not freedom to sin. It is freedom to love.
Then Paul says:
Galatians 5:16
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit,
and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
The Spirit produces fruit.
Galatians 5:22–23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance:
against such there is no law.”
The Spirit produces the kind of life the law pointed toward.
Love does not replace holiness.
Love produces holiness.
Let us put each commandment into the language of love.
Love God above all.
Matthew 22:37
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart…”
Love God as He truly is, not as you imagine Him.
John 4:24
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
Love God’s name and honour it.
Psalm 111:9
“Holy and reverend is his name.”
Love God with your time, worship, work, and rest.
Matthew 11:28
“Come unto me… and I will give you rest.”
Love your family with honour.
Ephesians 6:2
“Honour thy father and mother…”
Love life and refuse hatred.
1 John 3:15
“Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer…”
Love marriage, purity, and covenant faithfulness.
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage is honourable in all…”
Love your neighbour by respecting what God has given them.
Ephesians 4:28
“Let him that stole steal no more…”
Love truth and protect your neighbour’s name.
Ephesians 4:25
“Speak every man truth with his neighbour…”
Love God’s provision and be content.
Hebrews 13:5
“Be content with such things as ye have…”
All ten commandments connect to love.
Love God.
Love neighbour.
The Ten Commandments reveal the holy character of God.
They show us what love looks like.
They expose sin.
They silence boasting.
They teach righteousness.
They protect worship, family, life, marriage, property, truth, and the heart.
They point us to our need for Jesus Christ.
If you use the Ten Commandments as a ladder to climb into heaven, you will fail.
No sinner is justified by law-keeping.
Romans 3:20
“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight…”
But if you let the law show you your sin and drive you to Christ, then you will find mercy.
Galatians 3:24
“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ,
that we might be justified by faith.”
Jesus kept the law perfectly.
Jesus loved God perfectly.
Jesus loved neighbour perfectly.
Jesus fulfilled the law.
Jesus died for lawbreakers.
Jesus bore the curse.
Jesus rose again.
Jesus gives the Holy Spirit.
Jesus writes God’s law on the heart.
Jesus teaches us to love.
So come to Christ.
Do not boast in commandment-keeping.
Do not excuse commandment-breaking.
Confess your sin.
Trust the Saviour.
Receive grace.
Walk in the Spirit.
Love God.
Love your neighbour.
Jesus said:
Matthew 22:37–40
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it,
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
The whole law hangs on love.
And true love is found in Christ.
1 John 4:19
“We love him, because he first loved us.”
Amen.
Father, we thank You for Your holy law.
We thank You for the Ten Commandments, which reveal Your holiness, expose our sin, and teach us how to love You and our neighbour.
Forgive us for having other gods.
Forgive us for idols of the heart.
Forgive us for taking Your name lightly.
Forgive us for neglecting worship and rest.
Forgive us for dishonouring parents and authority.
Forgive us for hatred, lust, stealing, lying, and coveting.
Lord, Your law has shown us our sin.
Now lead us to Jesus Christ.
Thank You that Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly.
Thank You that He died for lawbreakers.
Thank You that He bore the curse for us.
Thank You that by His blood we can be forgiven and cleansed.
Write Your law upon our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
Teach us to love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Teach us to love our neighbour as ourselves.
Let our obedience not be dead religion, but the fruit of grace.
Let our lives honour Your name.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Sermon length: approximately 40–45 minutes
Scripture quotations: KJV
Main Scripture: Proverbs 6:16–19
Main theme: God is love, but God also hates evil. Proverbs 6 shows us seven sins that are detestable to Him because they destroy humility, truth, life, purity, righteousness, justice, and peace. These seven sins expose the human heart and drive us to repentance, holiness, and Jesus Christ.
Many people like to say, “God is love,” and that is true.
1 John 4:8
“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”
But the Bible also says God hates evil.
God’s love is holy love.
God’s mercy is not approval of sin.
God’s patience is not weakness.
God’s kindness is not moral blindness.
The same God who loves righteousness hates wickedness.
Psalm 45:7
“Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness:
therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”
Proverbs 6 gives us seven things the LORD hates.
Let us read the full passage.
Proverbs 6:16–19
“These six things doth the LORD hate:
yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
A proud look, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations,
feet that be swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies,
and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
The passage begins:
“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him.”
An abomination is something detestable, disgusting, hateful, and offensive before God.
This list is not random.
It begins with pride in the eyes.
It moves to lying in the tongue.
Then violence in the hands.
Then wicked planning in the heart.
Then eagerness for evil in the feet.
Then false witness in public testimony.
Then division in the community.
Eyes.
Tongue.
Hands.
Heart.
Feet.
Witness.
Community.
Sin affects the whole person and then spreads to others.
Jesus said:
Matthew 15:18–20
“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart;
and they defile the man.
For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts,
false witness, blasphemies:
These are the things which defile a man…”
So Proverbs 6 is not only about outward behaviour. It is about the heart before God.
Proverbs 6:17
“A proud look…”
The first thing listed is a proud look, or haughty eyes.
Pride often shows in the eyes before it shows in the mouth.
The proud person looks down on others.
The proud person exalts himself.
The proud person thinks he is above correction.
The proud person believes he does not need mercy.
The proud person compares himself with others and says, “I am better.”
God hates pride because pride tries to take the place of God.
Pride says:
My will be done.
My name be great.
My kingdom come.
My glory matters most.
But Jesus taught us to pray:
Matthew 6:9–10
“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
Pride reverses the Lord’s Prayer.
Instead of God’s name, pride wants my name.
Instead of God’s kingdom, pride wants my kingdom.
Instead of God’s will, pride wants my will.
The Bible says:
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
And:
Proverbs 21:4
“An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.”
A high look and a proud heart are sin.
God resisted Pharaoh’s pride. Pharaoh said:
Exodus 5:2
“Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go?
I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.”
That is pride speaking.
God humbled Nebuchadnezzar when he boasted over Babylon.
Daniel 4:30
“The king spake, and said,
Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom
by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?”
Then God brought him low until he learned:
Daniel 4:37
“Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven,
all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment:
and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.”
God is able to abase the proud.
James says:
James 4:6
“God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
That is frightening.
If God resists you, who can help you?
But if God gives grace to the humble, then the way forward is repentance and humility.
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
Jesus is the opposite of haughty eyes.
Philippians 2:5–8
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself,
and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
Jesus humbled Himself.
If the Son of God humbled Himself, who are we to walk with haughty eyes?
Application:
Ask God to remove pride from your eyes.
Do not look down on sinners as if you never needed mercy.
Do not look down on the poor.
Do not look down on the weak.
Do not look down on those still learning.
Do not look down on those who have fallen.
Remember that everything you have is received.
1 Corinthians 4:7
“For who maketh thee to differ from another?
and what hast thou that thou didst not receive?
now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?”
The cure for haughty eyes is seeing God clearly and seeing ourselves truthfully.
Proverbs 6:17
“A lying tongue…”
God hates lying because God is truth.
Titus 1:2
“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.”
God cannot lie.
Jesus is truth.
John 14:6
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth.
John 16:13
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth…”
So lying is not a small sin. Lying is contrary to the nature of God.
Jesus said Satan is the father of lies.
John 8:44
“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.
He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth,
because there is no truth in him.
When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own:
for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
When a person lies, he is speaking the devil’s language.
The first temptation involved lies.
The serpent said:
Genesis 3:4–5
“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof,
then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”
Satan lied about God’s Word, God’s warning, and God’s character.
Lying still works the same way.
Lies twist reality.
Lies hide sin.
Lies protect pride.
Lies destroy trust.
Lies accuse the innocent.
Lies excuse the guilty.
Lies divide families and churches.
Proverbs says:
Proverbs 12:22
“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD:
but they that deal truly are his delight.”
And:
Proverbs 19:9
“A false witness shall not be unpunished,
and he that speaketh lies shall perish.”
Paul commands Christians:
Ephesians 4:25
“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour:
for we are members one of another.”
Put away lying.
Not only big lies.
Small lies.
Convenient lies.
Business lies.
Religious lies.
Exaggerations.
Half-truths.
False impressions.
Lies told to avoid consequences.
Lies told to make ourselves look better.
Jesus said:
Matthew 5:37
“But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay:
for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”
A Christian’s yes should be yes and no should be no.
Application:
Repent of lying.
Stop defending yourself with falsehood.
Stop manipulating people with words.
Stop telling partial truths to hide the real truth.
Stop repeating things you have not verified.
Stop pretending before God.
Speak truth because you belong to Christ.
Proverbs 6:17
“Hands that shed innocent blood…”
God hates the shedding of innocent blood.
Human life is sacred because man is made in the image of God.
Genesis 1:27
“So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God created he him;
male and female created he them.”
After the flood, God said:
Genesis 9:6
“Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed:
for in the image of God made he man.”
Murder is not merely an offence against man. It is an attack against the image of God.
The first murder was Cain killing Abel.
Genesis 4:8–10
“And Cain talked with Abel his brother:
and it came to pass, when they were in the field,
that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother?
And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?
And he said, What hast thou done?
the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.”
Innocent blood cries to God.
God sees the blood that man tries to hide.
Israel was judged for shedding innocent blood.
2 Kings 21:16
“Moreover Manasseh shed innocent blood very much,
till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another…”
Jeremiah warned:
Jeremiah 22:3
“Thus saith the LORD;
Execute ye judgment and righteousness,
and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor:
and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow,
neither shed innocent blood in this place.”
God especially defends the weak: the stranger, fatherless, and widow.
Proverbs also says:
Proverbs 24:11–12
“If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death,
and those that are ready to be slain;
If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not;
doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it?
and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it?
and shall not he render to every man according to his works?”
The shedding of innocent blood includes murder, unjust violence, oppression, and the destruction of the vulnerable.
The unborn child is known by God.
Psalm 139:13–16
“For thou hast possessed my reins:
thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:
marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret…
Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect…”
John the Baptist leaped in the womb.
Luke 1:41
“And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary,
the babe leaped in her womb;
and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.”
So believers must value innocent life.
But Jesus also takes murder deeper than the hands. He takes it to the heart.
Matthew 5:21–22
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill;
and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
But I say unto you,
That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment…”
John says:
1 John 3:15
“Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer:
and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.”
Hatred is murder in seed form.
Application:
Do not shed innocent blood.
Do not support unjust violence.
Do not hate your brother.
Do not rejoice in the destruction of others.
Protect the weak.
Defend the innocent.
Repent of anger and hatred.
And remember: Jesus shed His innocent blood to save guilty sinners.
1 Peter 1:18–19
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold…
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
The most innocent blood ever shed was the blood of Jesus.
Proverbs 6:18
“An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations…”
This sin moves inward.
God hates not only evil actions, but evil plans.
A person may not yet have done the evil outwardly, but God sees the heart forming it.
The heart devises.
The heart plots.
The heart imagines.
The heart schemes.
The heart plans how to deceive, harm, steal, manipulate, seduce, revenge, and divide.
Genesis says before the flood:
Genesis 6:5
“And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth,
and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”
God saw the imaginations of the heart.
After the flood, God said:
Genesis 8:21
“For the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth…”
The human heart is not naturally pure.
Jeremiah says:
Jeremiah 17:9–10
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked:
who can know it?
I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins,
even to give every man according to his ways,
and according to the fruit of his doings.”
God searches the heart.
Man sees actions.
God sees plans.
Man hears words.
God hears motives.
Man sees the face.
God sees the hidden scheme.
Proverbs says:
Proverbs 15:26
“The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD:
but the words of the pure are pleasant words.”
And:
Proverbs 24:8–9
“He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.
The thought of foolishness is sin…”
Even the thought of foolishness is sin.
Jesus said evil proceeds from the heart.
Mark 7:21–23
“For from within, out of the heart of men,
proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness,
an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”
So we must not only ask, “What did I do?”
We must also ask, “What am I planning? What am I imagining? What am I feeding in my heart?”
David prayed:
Psalm 139:23–24
“Search me, O God, and know my heart:
try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.”
That must be our prayer.
God does not merely want clean hands. He wants a clean heart.
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a clean heart, O God;
and renew a right spirit within me.”
Application:
Do not entertain wicked schemes.
Do not rehearse revenge.
Do not plan deception.
Do not secretly imagine sin while pretending holiness.
Do not design ways to harm others.
Bring your heart into the light before evil plans become evil actions.
Paul says:
2 Corinthians 10:5
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God,
and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
Bring every thought captive to Christ.
Proverbs 6:18
“Feet that be swift in running to mischief…”
This speaks of eagerness for evil.
Some people do not merely fall into sin. They run to it.
They are quick to gossip.
Quick to revenge.
Quick to lust.
Quick to steal.
Quick to violence.
Quick to mock.
Quick to join trouble.
Quick to run with the wrong crowd.
Isaiah gives a similar description.
Isaiah 59:7–8
“Their feet run to evil,
and they make haste to shed innocent blood:
their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity;
wasting and destruction are in their paths.
The way of peace they know not;
and there is no judgment in their goings:
they have made them crooked paths:
whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.”
Paul quotes this in Romans to describe human sin.
Romans 3:15–18
“Their feet are swift to shed blood:
Destruction and misery are in their ways:
And the way of peace have they not known:
There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
Notice the root:
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
When a person does not fear God, his feet run to evil.
Proverbs warns:
Proverbs 1:10–16
“My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood…
My son, walk not thou in the way with them;
refrain thy foot from their path:
For their feet run to evil,
and make haste to shed blood.”
“Consent thou not.”
When sinners say, “Come with us,” God says, “Do not walk in their way.”
Psalm 1 says:
Psalm 1:1–2
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,
nor standeth in the way of sinners,
nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD;
and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
Notice the progression:
Walk.
Stand.
Sit.
Sin often starts with walking near evil, then standing with sinners, then sitting comfortably among the scornful.
The Christian must not run to evil. He must flee evil.
2 Timothy 2:22
“Flee also youthful lusts:
but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace,
with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
Paul says:
1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
And:
Romans 12:9
“Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”
Do not run to evil. Hate evil and cling to good.
Application:
Ask: where do my feet take me quickly?
To prayer or gossip?
To Scripture or temptation?
To peace or conflict?
To church or worldly pleasure?
To holiness or secret sin?
The feet reveal the heart’s direction.
The opposite of feet running to evil is feet carrying the gospel.
Romans 10:15
“How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace,
and bring glad tidings of good things!”
Let your feet run toward righteousness, mercy, prayer, gospel, and peace.
Proverbs 6:19
“A false witness that speaketh lies…”
This sounds similar to “a lying tongue,” but there is a special focus here.
A lying tongue can be general dishonesty.
A false witness is lying in a way that harms justice and damages another person.
False witness can destroy a reputation, condemn the innocent, protect the guilty, and corrupt the community.
The ninth commandment says:
Exodus 20:16
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.”
God cares about truth in testimony.
Deuteronomy warns against false witnesses.
Deuteronomy 19:16–19
“If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong;
Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the LORD…
And the judges shall make diligent inquisition:
and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;
Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother:
so shalt thou put the evil away from among you.”
False witness is serious because it weaponises words against the innocent.
Jesus Himself was condemned through false witnesses.
Matthew 26:59–60
“Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council,
sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none.”
False witness was part of the road to the cross.
They lied against the Truth.
Jesus is the faithful and true witness.
Revelation 3:14
“These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness…”
And:
Revelation 19:11
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse;
and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True,
and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.”
Jesus is faithful and true. His people must not be false witnesses.
A false witness can happen in court, but also in daily life.
When you spread a claim you do not know is true, you may become a false witness.
When you twist someone’s words, you may become a false witness.
When you repeat one side of a story as if it is the whole truth, you may become a false witness.
When you accuse someone’s motives without knowledge, you may become a false witness.
Proverbs says:
Proverbs 18:13
“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it,
it is folly and shame unto him.”
And:
Proverbs 18:17
“He that is first in his own cause seemeth just;
but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.”
Do not believe every accusation quickly.
Paul says:
1 Timothy 5:19
“Against an elder receive not an accusation,
but before two or three witnesses.”
This principle protects justice.
Application:
Speak truth.
Do not exaggerate.
Do not join false accusations.
Do not repeat rumours.
Do not twist stories.
Do not condemn without knowledge.
Do not let anger turn you into a false witness.
Be like Christ: faithful and true.
Proverbs 6:19
“And he that soweth discord among brethren.”
The seventh thing God hates is a person who sows discord.
This is not merely someone who has a disagreement.
This is someone who plants conflict like seed.
They sow suspicion.
They sow gossip.
They sow bitterness.
They sow accusation.
They sow jealousy.
They sow offence.
They sow division among brethren.
God hates this because God loves unity in truth.
Psalm 133:1
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Jesus prayed for His people to be one.
John 17:20–21
“Neither pray I for these alone,
but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
That they all may be one;
as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee,
that they also may be one in us:
that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”
Unity matters.
But biblical unity is unity in truth, not unity in compromise.
Paul says:
Ephesians 4:1–3
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Notice what keeps unity:
Lowliness.
Meekness.
Longsuffering.
Forbearing love.
Peace.
A discord-sower usually has the opposite spirit:
Pride.
Harshness.
Impatience.
Suspicion.
Drama.
Secret whispering.
Proverbs says:
Proverbs 16:28
“A froward man soweth strife:
and a whisperer separateth chief friends.”
And:
Proverbs 26:20–21
“Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out:
so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire;
so is a contentious man to kindle strife.”
Gossip is wood on the fire.
Some people keep fires burning because they keep carrying wood.
Paul warns against divisions.
Romans 16:17–18
“Now I beseech you, brethren,
mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned;
and avoid them.
For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly;
and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”
Titus says:
Titus 3:10–11
“A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.”
God takes division seriously.
Jesus said:
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers:
for they shall be called the children of God.”
Not troublemakers.
Peacemakers.
But peace-making is not pretending sin does not exist. True peacemaking is bringing people under truth, humility, repentance, forgiveness, and righteousness.
James says:
James 3:17–18
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable,
gentle, and easy to be intreated,
full of mercy and good fruits,
without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”
Wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable.
Application:
Do not sow discord.
Do not spread private offences.
Do not whisper against brethren.
Do not enjoy division.
Do not be the person who carries stories from one person to another.
Do not stir conflict in your family, church, workplace, or community.
Instead, be a peacemaker.
Speak directly when needed.
Forgive quickly.
Refuse gossip.
Pray before speaking.
Promote truth and love.
Help reconcile where possible.
Look again at the list.
Proverbs 6:17–19
“A proud look, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations,
feet that be swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies,
and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
Eyes.
Tongue.
Hands.
Heart.
Feet.
Mouth as witness.
Influence in community.
This is a picture of the whole person corrupted by sin.
Romans 3 gives a similar picture of man’s corruption.
Romans 3:10–18
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable;
there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Their throat is an open sepulchre;
with their tongues they have used deceit;
the poison of asps is under their lips:
Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
Their feet are swift to shed blood:
Destruction and misery are in their ways:
And the way of peace have they not known:
There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
Throat.
Tongues.
Lips.
Mouth.
Feet.
Eyes.
Sin affects the whole person.
That is why we need more than behaviour improvement. We need a new heart.
Ezekiel 36:26–27
“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you:
and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh,
and I will give you an heart of flesh.
And I will put my spirit within you,
and cause you to walk in my statutes,
and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.”
God must change the heart.
Proverbs 6 shows what God hates.
Jesus shows what God loves.
Matthew 11:29
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart…”
John 8:45–46
“And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
Which of you convinceth me of sin?”
Acts 10:38
“God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power:
who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil…”
John 20:27
“Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands…”
John 6:38
“For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will,
but the will of him that sent me.”
Luke 9:51
“And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up,
he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem.”
Revelation 3:14
“These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness…”
Colossians 1:20
“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross,
by him to reconcile all things unto himself…”
Jesus is everything we are not.
Where we have pride, He is humble.
Where we have lied, He is truth.
Where we have hated, He loved.
Where our hearts have schemed, His heart obeyed.
Where our feet ran to evil, His feet walked toward Calvary.
Where we bore false witness, He bore true witness.
Where we caused division, He made peace through His blood.
This is why we need Christ.
Not merely as example.
As Saviour.
At the cross, we see all seven sins of Proverbs 6 exposed.
Proud religious leaders looked down on Jesus.
False witnesses lied against Him.
Hands shed innocent blood.
Hearts devised wicked schemes.
Feet ran to arrest Him.
Lies were poured out in trial.
The crowd was stirred up against Him.
And yet, through all of this, God was accomplishing salvation.
Acts 2:23–24
“Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God,
ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death:
because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.”
Wicked hands crucified Jesus.
But God raised Him from the dead.
Isaiah says:
Isaiah 53:5–6
“But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him;
and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned every one to his own way;
and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
Jesus died for proud sinners, lying sinners, violent sinners, scheming sinners, evil-running sinners, false-witnessing sinners, and conflict-stirring sinners.
Paul says:
Romans 5:8
“But God commendeth his love toward us,
in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
The cross shows God hates sin so much that Christ had to die.
The cross shows God loves sinners so much that Christ willingly died.
At Calvary, mercy and truth meet.
Psalm 85:10
“Mercy and truth are met together;
righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”
If God hates these things, then His people must hate them too.
Psalm 97:10
“Ye that love the LORD, hate evil…”
If you love the Lord, hate evil.
Not hate people.
Hate evil.
Paul says:
Romans 12:9
“Let love be without dissimulation.
Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”
Abhor evil. Cling to good.
Repentance means turning from what God hates and turning toward God.
Isaiah 55:6–7
“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found,
call ye upon him while he is near:
Let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts:
and let him return unto the LORD,
and he will have mercy upon him;
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”
Notice: forsake wicked ways and unrighteous thoughts.
That covers outward behaviour and inward planning.
Peter preached:
Acts 3:19
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted,
that your sins may be blotted out…”
Repentance is not just feeling bad.
Repentance is turning.
Turn from haughty eyes to humility.
Turn from lying tongue to truth.
Turn from shedding innocent blood to protecting life.
Turn from wicked schemes to a clean heart.
Turn from feet running to evil to feet carrying the gospel.
Turn from false witness to faithful witness.
Turn from stirring conflict to making peace.
Because Proverbs 6 mentions eyes, tongue, hands, heart, feet, witness, and community, the response must involve the whole life.
Paul says:
Romans 6:13
“Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:
but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead,
and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”
Yield your members to God.
Your eyes to humility and purity.
Your tongue to truth and blessing.
Your hands to mercy and righteousness.
Your heart to holy thoughts.
Your feet to obedience.
Your testimony to truth.
Your influence to peace.
Paul also says:
Romans 12:1–2
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,
that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world:
but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
Present your body to God.
Do not give your eyes, tongue, hands, heart, and feet to evil.
Give them to Christ.
Pray:
Psalm 131:1
“LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty…”
Ask God for humility.
Practice truth.
Zechariah 8:16
“Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour…”
Protect life.
Proverbs 31:8–9
“Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.”
Guard the heart.
Proverbs 4:23
“Keep thy heart with all diligence;
for out of it are the issues of life.”
Choose the right path.
Psalm 119:101
“I have refrained my feet from every evil way,
that I might keep thy word.”
Refuse false accusation.
Exodus 23:1
“Thou shalt not raise a false report…”
Become a peacemaker.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers:
for they shall be called the children of God.”
Proverbs 6:16–19 is not given so we can point at everyone else.
It is given so we can examine ourselves.
Do I have haughty eyes?
Do I have a lying tongue?
Have my hands harmed the innocent?
Does my heart devise wicked plans?
Do my feet run quickly to evil?
Have I been a false witness?
Have I stirred up conflict among brethren?
If so, do not hide.
Come to God.
1 John 1:8–9
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
There is cleansing in Jesus.
His blood cleanses proud sinners.
His blood cleanses lying tongues.
His blood cleanses violent hands.
His blood cleanses wicked hearts.
His blood cleanses feet that ran to evil.
His blood cleanses false witnesses.
His blood cleanses conflict-makers.
But grace does not leave us unchanged.
Titus 2:11–14
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts,
we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity,
and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
Jesus redeems us from iniquity and purifies us.
So let us hate what God hates.
Hate pride.
Hate lying.
Hate innocent bloodshed.
Hate wicked schemes.
Hate running to evil.
Hate false witness.
Hate discord among brethren.
And let us love what God loves.
Humility.
Truth.
Life.
A pure heart.
Righteous paths.
Faithful witness.
Peace among brethren.
Above all, let us look to Jesus Christ.
He is humble.
He is true.
He gives life.
He is pure in heart.
He walked in perfect obedience.
He is the faithful witness.
He is our peace.
Ephesians 2:14
“For he is our peace…”
Amen.
Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ.
Your Word says there are things You hate and things that are abomination to You.
Forgive us for haughty eyes.
Forgive us for lying tongues.
Forgive us for hatred, violence, and the shedding or approving of innocent blood.
Forgive us for hearts that devise wicked schemes.
Forgive us for feet that run quickly into evil.
Forgive us for false witness and careless accusations.
Forgive us for stirring up conflict in families, churches, workplaces, and communities.
Lord, create in us a clean heart.
Make our eyes humble.
Make our tongues truthful.
Make our hands merciful.
Make our hearts pure.
Make our feet walk in righteousness.
Make our witness faithful.
Make us peacemakers.
Thank You for Jesus Christ, who is everything we are not.
Thank You that He died for sinners and rose again.
Thank You that His blood cleanses us from all sin.
Teach us to hate evil and cling to what is good.
Let us live as people redeemed by grace and transformed by the Holy Spirit.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Main theme: When Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, mankind did not merely break a rule. Humanity chose moral independence from God. That choice brought sin, death, dust, separation, spiritual warfare, and the need for Jesus Christ to reconcile us back to the Father.
All longer Bible quotations below are from the King James Version.
Before sin entered the world, God gave Adam life, purpose, authority, provision, and one command. That command was not cruelty. It was the proof that man was not a machine. Love must be chosen. Obedience must be chosen. Trust must be chosen.
Genesis 1:26–27
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion...
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
God made mankind in His image. That means humans are not animals only driven by instinct. We can love, obey, choose, think, worship, reject, repent, and believe.
Genesis 2:16–17
“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”
Notice the mercy before the command: “Of every tree... thou mayest freely eat.” God was generous. The Garden was not a prison. There was one boundary. That boundary gave Adam and Eve a real choice.
Free will is important to God because love without choice is not love. Worship without choice is not worship. Obedience without choice is not obedience. God wanted children, not robots.
Deuteronomy 30:19
“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”
Joshua 24:15
“...choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
From Eden onward, God sets life and death before man. He says, “Choose life.” But He does not force the choice.
Genesis 3:1–5
“Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”
Satan’s first recorded weapon against mankind was not a sword. It was a question: “Hath God said?”
He attacked:
This is still the pattern of evil today. Evil tells mankind: “You do not need God to define truth. You can decide good and evil for yourself.”
Isaiah 5:20
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness...”
That is the spirit of the tree: man deciding good and evil without God.
Genesis 3:6–7
“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together...”
The temptation came through the same pattern described in the New Testament.
1 John 2:16
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
In Eden:
The sin was not just eating fruit. The sin was unbelief, pride, rebellion, and the desire to become morally independent from God.
They wanted knowledge without submission. Wisdom without worship. Authority without obedience. Life without the Life-Giver.
God is good. Evil is not equal to God. Evil is rebellion against God’s goodness.
Psalm 34:8
“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”
James 1:13–15
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
God did not create evil as a good thing. Evil entered through the rebellion of created wills — first among fallen angels, then through man’s disobedience.
John 8:44
“Ye are of your father the devil... He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him... for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
The devil is not a creator like God. He twists, corrupts, deceives, murders, steals, and destroys.
John 10:10
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life...”
So why does God allow good and evil to be seen? Because God allows real choice, real love, real faith, real testing, and real judgment. God allows evil for a season, but He will not allow it forever.
Ecclesiastes 12:14
“For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”
Genesis 3:8–13
“And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God...
And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself...
And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree...
And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.”
Before sin, they walked with God. After sin, they hid from God.
Sin always does this. It creates distance. It creates shame. It creates fear. It creates blame. Adam blamed Eve. Eve blamed the serpent. But everyone had chosen.
Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
Sin is not only what Adam did. Sin is what we have all done. Adam opened the door, but every one of us has walked through it.
Genesis 3:17–19
“And unto Adam he said... cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee...
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”
This is where mankind’s death sentence entered: dust to dust.
The curse affected:
Romans 5:12
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Death is not natural in the original creation. Death is wages. Death is payment. Death is the result of sin.
Psalm 90:3
“Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men.”
Ecclesiastes 12:7
“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”
Without Christ, man’s body returns to dust, and man’s soul stands before God.
Genesis 3:22–24
“And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil...
Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden...
So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims... to keep the way of the tree of life.”
This is one of the most tragic scenes in Scripture. Man was driven out. The way to the tree of life was guarded.
Why? Because if sinful man ate from the tree of life and lived forever in sin, evil would become immortal in human flesh. God’s judgment was also mercy. He blocked eternal life in a fallen state so that one day eternal life could come through Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 59:1–2
“Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save...
But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you...”
Sin separates. Religion cannot fix it. Fig leaves cannot fix it. Human morality cannot fix it.
Knowledge cannot fix it. Only God can reconcile man back to God.
Ephesians 2:1–3
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air...
And were by nature the children of wrath...”
Mankind’s problem is not lack of education only. It is spiritual death. Man needs more than information. Man needs resurrection.
Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves together. That was man’s first attempt to cover sin by human works.
But God did something greater.
Genesis 3:21
“Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.”
For God to clothe them with skins, blood had to be shed. This points forward to sacrifice. Sin requires covering. Sin requires blood. Sin requires atonement.
Hebrews 9:22
“...without shedding of blood is no remission.”
The fig leaves are man’s religion. The coats of skins are God’s provision. From Eden onward, God was showing that man cannot cover himself. God must provide the covering.
Right after the fall, God spoke judgment over the serpent.
Genesis 3:15
“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”
This is the first gospel promise. The seed of the woman would come. The serpent would wound His heel, but He would crush the serpent’s head.
At the cross, Jesus was wounded. But through that wound, He defeated Satan, sin, death, and the powers of darkness.
1 John 3:8
“...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
John 1:29
“...Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
John 14:6
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Jesus is not one way among many ways. He is the way back to the Father. Adam lost access to the tree of life. Jesus became the way to eternal life.
2 Corinthians 5:18–21
“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ...
God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them...
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Reconciliation means enemies are brought back into peace. The separated are brought near. The guilty are forgiven. The dead are made alive.
Colossians 1:20–22
“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself...
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
In the body of his flesh through death...”
The cross is where the separation caused by the tree is answered by the blood of Christ.
Galatians 3:13
“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us...”
Adam’s sin brought curse. Jesus bore the curse. Adam brought death. Jesus brought life. Adam brought separation. Jesus brought reconciliation.
Romans 5:17–19
“For if by one man's offence death reigned by one...
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came...
For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”
Adam disobeyed at a tree. Jesus obeyed unto death on a tree.
1 Peter 2:24
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness...”
The tree in Eden brought death because man disobeyed. The tree of Calvary brings life because Christ obeyed.
During His earthly ministry, demons recognised His authority.
Mark 1:23–27
“And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit...
Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth?...
And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
And when the unclean spirit had torn him... he came out of him.
And they were all amazed... saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.”
Jesus did not negotiate with demons. He commanded them.
Luke 10:18–19
“And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Behold, I give unto you power... over all the power of the enemy...”
Colossians 2:14–15
“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us... nailing it to his cross;
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
The cross was not defeat. The cross was victory hidden in suffering. Satan thought he was destroying Jesus, but Jesus was destroying Satan’s legal claim over sinners.
Hebrews 2:14–15
“...that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
Jesus defeated the devil by entering death and rising again.
Matthew 28:18
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
Not some power. Not future power only. All power. Jesus Christ is above every dominion, principality, ruler, spirit, throne, system, and kingdom.
Ephesians 1:20–23
“...he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named...
And hath put all things under his feet...”
The same God who placed a choice in Eden now places a choice before every person: repent and believe the gospel, or remain in sin.
John 3:16–19
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already...
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light...”
The issue is not that God has failed to provide salvation. The issue is whether man will love the light or love darkness.
Romans 10:9–13
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Acts 17:30–31
“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness...”
God commands all people everywhere to repent. That means every person must respond.
Revelation 3:20
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him...”
Jesus knocks. Man must open. Grace calls. Man must respond. The Spirit convicts. Man must not harden his heart.
Hebrews 3:15
“To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts...”
After we come to Christ, we are not left defenceless. God gives us armour.
Ephesians 6:10–18
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day...
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith...
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit...”
Paul says we do not wrestle against flesh and blood. That means people are not the ultimate enemy. Nations are not the ultimate enemy. Cultures are not the ultimate enemy. Behind sin, deception, false religion, corruption, violence, greed, and oppression are spiritual powers.
This does not mean every cultural practice is evil. Every nation has good gifts from God’s common grace. But every nation also has sins that become normalised and defended as “just our culture.”
John 17:17
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
Truth holds everything together. Satan began by attacking truth. God arms us with truth.
2 Corinthians 5:21
“For he hath made him to be sin for us... that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Our righteousness is not our own goodness. It is Christ’s righteousness covering the heart.
Romans 10:15
“How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace...”
The gospel gives us firm footing. We stand because Christ has made peace through His blood.
1 John 5:4
“...this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”
Faith quenches fiery darts: fear, accusation, lust, doubt, bitterness, pride, despair.
1 Thessalonians 5:8
“...putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.”
The devil attacks the mind. The helmet protects hope, identity, assurance, and eternal perspective.
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword...”
Jesus defeated Satan’s temptations by saying, “It is written.” The believer must know the Word, speak the Word, believe the Word, and obey the Word.
Luke 18:1
“...men ought always to pray, and not to faint.”
Armour without prayer becomes religious confidence. Prayer keeps us dependent on God.
This section must be preached carefully.
We are not saying the people of any nation are evil. God loves every tribe, tongue, people, and nation. Jesus shed His blood for people from all nations.
Revelation 5:9
“...for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.”
But Scripture shows that spiritual powers can influence kingdoms and regions.
Daniel 10:13
“But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days...”
Daniel 10:20
“...and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.”
These “princes” are not merely human rulers. Daniel is being shown spiritual conflict behind earthly kingdoms.
Luke 4:5–8
“And the devil... shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world...
And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee... for that is delivered unto me...
And Jesus answered... Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”
Satan offered Jesus kingdoms. Jesus refused to gain the world by worshipping evil.
Below is a prayer list of possible strongholds that can appear in nations. These are not accusations against every person in that nation. They are examples of sins, systems, idols, and deceptions to pray against wherever they appear.
| Nation | Stronghold / principality to pray against | Gospel answer |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| 1. Australia | Comfort, drunkenness, apathy, materialism | Revival, holiness, fear of the Lord |
| 2. New Zealand | Spiritual complacency, secular peace without Christ | Hunger for God’s presence |
| 3. United States | Pride, mammon, violence, celebrity worship | Humility, repentance, Christ above empire |
| 4. United Kingdom | Religious form without power, class pride, unbelief | Living faith, Spirit-filled witness |
| 5. Canada | Moral relativism, comfort, fear of offending man | Truth in love, bold confession |
| 6. France | Intellectual pride, secularism, sensuality | Wisdom from above, purity, surrender |
| 7. Germany | Human efficiency without dependence on God, shame, unbelief | Grace, mercy, spiritual renewal |
| 8. Italy | Tradition over truth, religious appearance without repentance | True repentance, Christ over ritual |
| 9. Spain | Pleasure, distraction, nominal religion | Devotion, holiness, gospel fire |
| 10. Greece | Philosophy without obedience, pride in human wisdom | Christ the wisdom of God |
| 11. Russia | Fear, control, nationalism, hardness of heart | Deliverance, humility, peace |
| 12. Ukraine | Trauma, vengeance, hatred, despair from war | Healing, forgiveness, hope in Christ |
| 13. China | State idolatry, control, fear of man, suppression of truth | Christ as Lord, courage, freedom |
| 14. Japan | Honour/shame bondage, pressure, ancestor fear, despair | Adoption in Christ, peace, life |
| 15. South Korea | Performance pressure, success idolatry, religious competition | Rest in Christ, sincere worship |
| 16. North Korea | State worship, oppression, terror, spiritual blindness | Liberation, truth, underground faith strengthened |
| 17. India | Caste pride, spiritual confusion, religious bondage | Equality in Christ, one true God |
| 18. Pakistan | Religious coercion, honour violence, fear | Grace, courage, salvation through Christ |
| 19. Iran | Religious tyranny, fear, oppression, hidden hunger for truth | Revelation of Jesus, bold faith |
| 20. Saudi Arabia | Religious control, wealth idolatry, hidden bondage | Freedom in Christ, living water |
| 21. Israel | Spiritual blindness to Messiah, fear, vengeance, self-righteousness | Revelation of Yeshua/Jesus the Messiah |
| 22. Egypt | Bondage, fear, ancient spiritual oppression, poverty | Exodus power, deliverance, provision |
| 23. Nigeria | Corruption, tribal hatred, occult mixture, prosperity deception | Integrity, unity, pure gospel |
| 24. South Africa | Racial wounds, violence, unforgiveness, greed | Reconciliation, justice, forgiveness |
| 25. Kenya | Tribal rivalry, corruption, syncretism | Unity in Christ, righteousness |
| 26. Brazil | Sensuality, violence, occult mixture, inequality | Purity, peace, deliverance |
| 27. Mexico | Cartel violence, death culture, corruption, fear | Life in Christ, justice, courage |
| 28. Colombia | Drug violence, bloodshed, corruption, trauma | Healing, repentance, restoration |
| 29. Philippines | Religious tradition without transformation, corruption, family idolatry | New birth, truth, Christ first |
| 30. Indonesia | Religious pressure, fear, corruption, spiritual mixture | Bold witness, peace, true worship |
Again, this list is for prayer, not hatred. The Bible does not teach us to hate nations. It teaches us to disciple nations.
Matthew 28:19–20
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them...
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you...”
The answer to principalities is not racism, nationalism, or human anger. The answer is the gospel, prayer, holiness, truth, deliverance, and the authority of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:4–5
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God...”
The story that began at the tree ends with judgment and eternity.
There are only two final destinations: life with God or separation from God. Heaven or the lake of fire. Eternal life or the second death.
Hebrews 9:27
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”
2 Corinthians 5:10
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ...”
No one escapes judgment. The rich man, the poor man, the king, the prisoner, the religious person, the atheist, the preacher, the listener — all must stand before God.
Revelation 20:11–15
“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it...
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened...
And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
The lake of fire is not a joke. It is not symbolic of nothing. It is the final judgment of sin, Satan, death, hell, rebellion, and all who refuse the life of God.
Revelation 21:8
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers... and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone...”
Sin is serious because God is holy.
Revelation 21:1–4
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth...
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven...
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men...
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying...”
In Eden, man lost access to the tree of life. In Revelation, the tree of life appears again.
Revelation 22:1–2
“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life...
In the midst of the street of it... was there the tree of life... and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”
Revelation 22:14
“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life...”
What was lost in Genesis is restored in Revelation. But the way back is not through Adam. The way back is through Jesus.
The tree in Eden revealed man’s choice. The cross reveals God’s choice.
At the tree, man chose sin.
At the cross, Jesus chose obedience.
At the tree, man brought death.
At the cross, Jesus brought life.
At the tree, man was separated.
At the cross, Jesus reconciled.
At the tree, mankind became dust-bound.
At the resurrection, Christ opened the way to eternal life.
Now the choice is before every person.
Deuteronomy 30:19
“...I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life...”
John 5:24
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth... hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
Romans 10:13
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
So the message is this:
Do not hide behind fig leaves.
Do not call evil good.
Do not worship the culture of men.
Do not bow to the principalities of this world.
Do not stay separated from God.
Do not choose dust when Christ offers resurrection.
Do not choose the lake of fire when Christ offers eternal life.
Come to Jesus Christ.
Repent. Believe. Confess Him as Lord. Put on the armour of God. Stand against the devil. Walk in holiness. Preach the gospel. Pray for the nations. Endure to the end.
Because the final question is not merely, “Did Adam and Eve eat from the tree?”
The final question is:
What will you do with Jesus Christ?
John 11:25–26
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”
Revelation 22:16
“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”
Isaiah 14:12
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!”
2 Peter 1:19
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”
Revelation 2:28
“And I will give him the morning star.”
Revelation 9:1
“And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.”
There is a deep mystery in Scripture. Jesus calls Himself “the bright and morning star” in Revelation 22:16. Peter speaks of the day star rising in our hearts in 2 Peter 1:19, which we will assume refers to Christ. Jesus promises the overcomer, “I will give him the morning star” in Revelation 2:28.
But then Isaiah 14:12 speaks of one who has fallen from heaven, called in many translations “morning star, son of the dawn,” and in the King James Version, “Lucifer, son of the morning.”
So the question is: Why would Jesus be called the Morning Star, and Satan also be described with morning-star language?
The answer is this:
Jesus is the true Morning Star by eternal glory, divine nature, victory, and salvation. Satan was a created being of brightness who fell through pride and became a counterfeit light.
One is the true light.
The other is false light.
One brings dawn.
The other brings deception.
One rises in the believer’s heart.
The other fell from heaven through rebellion.
One opens the kingdom of God.
The other may be connected to the opening of the Abyss.
One gives life.
The other destroys.
Before we go deeper, we must understand something important. The Bible can use the same picture for different beings depending on the context.
Jesus is called a lion.
Revelation 5:5
“...behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.”
But Satan is also compared to a lion.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
Jesus is the Lion who reigns.
Satan is a roaring lion who devours.
Jesus is associated with the serpent lifted up in the wilderness.
John 3:14–15
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
But Satan is also called the serpent.
Revelation 12:9
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world...”
So we must not say, “Because the same image is used, it must mean the same person.” No. The Bible often shows us the difference between the true and the counterfeit.
There is a true lion and a devouring lion.
There is a bronze serpent pointing to Christ’s judgment-bearing work, and there is the old serpent who deceives the world.
There is the true Morning Star, Jesus Christ, and there is the fallen star of pride and rebellion.
The morning star appears before the full sunrise. It announces that the night is nearly over and the day is coming.
Spiritually, this is powerful.
The Morning Star speaks of:
Jesus is not just one light among many. He is the true Light.
John 1:1–5
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”
John 1:9
“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”
Jesus is not reflected light only. He is the source of light. He is not a created star in the heavens.
He is the Creator who made the stars.
Genesis 1:14–16
“And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night...
And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.”
Colossians 1:16–17
“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible...
All things were created by him, and for him:
And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”
So when Jesus says, “I am the bright and morning star,” He is not saying He is a created star. He is using the image of the morning star to reveal that He is the light of the new day, the hope after darkness, and the King whose coming ends the night.
Let us read Revelation 22:16 again.
Revelation 22:16
“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”
Jesus gives Himself three great titles here.
This is personal. The Book of Revelation is not merely about beasts, seals, trumpets, bowls, and judgment. It is the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 1:1
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass...”
Revelation is not firstly about the Antichrist. It is about Jesus Christ.
This means Jesus is both before David and after David.
As the root of David, Jesus is David’s Lord, David’s source, David’s Creator.
As the offspring of David, Jesus is the promised Messiah born in David’s line.
Matthew 22:41–45
“While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,
Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.
He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord...
If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?”
Jesus is David’s Son according to the flesh, but David’s Lord according to His eternal divine nature.
Romans 1:3–4
“Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
And declared to be the Son of God with power... by the resurrection from the dead.”
Jesus is the star that announces the eternal day. He is the light that rises after the darkness of sin, death, judgment, and Satan’s rule.
Malachi 4:2
“But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.”
Here Malachi uses the image of the sun rising. Revelation uses the morning star. Both point to the same truth: Christ comes as light, healing, victory, and daybreak.
Luke 1:78–79
“Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Jesus is the dayspring. Jesus is the dawn. Jesus is the Morning Star. Jesus is the Light of the world.
John 8:12
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
The Morning Star language also connects to the Old Testament hope of the Messiah.
Numbers 24:17
“I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel...”
This is a prophecy of a ruler. A Star. A Sceptre. A King.
The Star speaks of heavenly glory.
The Sceptre speaks of royal authority.
Jesus is both. He is the heavenly light and the earthly King. He is the one born in Israel, yet ruler over all nations.
Matthew 2:1–2
“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”
When Christ was born, a star pointed to Him. But Jesus is greater than the star that pointed to Him. He is the true Star out of Jacob.
Matthew 2:9–11
“...lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them...
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him...”
The wise men did not worship the star. They worshipped Jesus. That is the difference between true worship and idolatry. Creation can point to God, but creation must never replace God.
Now we come to Isaiah 14.
Isaiah 14:12
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!”
Many modern translations render this as something like “morning star, son of the dawn.” The King James says “Lucifer, son of the morning.”
The word “Lucifer” means light-bearer or shining one. The picture is of a bright being who fell.
Now, in the immediate context, Isaiah is speaking a taunt against the king of Babylon.
Isaiah 14:4
“That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!”
So the first layer is the proud king of Babylon. But the language rises beyond an earthly king and seems to reveal the spiritual pride behind the earthly kingdom.
Isaiah 14:13–14
“For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God:
I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.”
Here is the spirit of Satan: I will ascend. I will exalt. I will sit. I will ascend. I will be like the Most High.
Five times: I will.
This is the same rebellion that appeared in Eden.
The serpent said:
Genesis 3:5
“...ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”
Satan’s own sin was pride, and then he tempted man with the same pride. He wanted to be like the Most High, and then he told mankind, “You can be like God too.”
That is why Isaiah 14 is so important. It shows the root of evil: prideful self-exaltation against God.
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
1 Timothy 3:6
“Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.”
The devil fell through pride. When man walks in pride, man walks in the pattern of Satan.
Ezekiel 28 is another passage that speaks to an earthly ruler, the prince or king of Tyre, but again the language seems to go beyond a human ruler and reveal the spiritual being behind the pride.
Ezekiel 28:12–15
“Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him...
Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.
Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God...
Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth...
Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.”
Notice: “created.”
Satan is not equal with God. Satan is created. He is not eternal like God. He is not all-knowing. He is not all-powerful. He is not everywhere. He is a fallen creature.
Ezekiel 28:17
“Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness...”
This is the danger of brightness without humility. Beauty without worship. Wisdom without submission. Glory without obedience.
Satan had brightness, but he did not have holiness.
He had beauty, but he lost truth.
He had position, but he wanted God’s throne.
He had created glory, but he wanted divine worship.
That is why he became the counterfeit light.
2 Corinthians 11:14
“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”
This is the key difference.
Jesus is the true Light.
Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
Jesus brings revelation.
Satan brings deception.
Jesus gives life.
Satan promises life but brings death.
Jesus humbles Himself and is exalted.
Satan exalts himself and is cast down.
Let us compare them.
Philippians 2:5–11
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant...
He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him...
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow...
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord...”
Jesus was truly equal with God, yet humbled Himself. Therefore God exalted Him.
Isaiah 14:13–15
“For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven...
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”
Satan was not equal with God, yet tried to exalt himself. Therefore he was brought down.
This is the great contrast:
Christ humbled Himself and was exalted.
Satan exalted himself and was cast down.
Christ obeyed unto death.
Satan rebelled unto destruction.
Christ brings morning.
Satan brings darkness while pretending to bring light.
Christ says, “Not my will, but thine, be done.”
Satan says, “I will ascend.”
Luke 22:42
“...nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”
That is the opposite spirit to Isaiah 14.
The spirit of Christ says, “Thy will be done.”
The spirit of Satan says, “My will be done.”
Now we come to Peter.
2 Peter 1:19
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”
Peter is saying that prophecy is like a light shining in a dark place. We hold onto the Word until the full day comes and the Morning Star rises in our hearts.
If we assume, as you said, that Peter is speaking of Jesus here, then this is beautiful.
Jesus is not only the Morning Star coming in the future. He is also the Morning Star rising inside the believer now.
That means Christ brings inner dawn.
Before Christ, the heart is dark.
Ephesians 4:18
“Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them...”
But when Christ comes, light enters.
2 Corinthians 4:6
“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
This is Genesis language applied to salvation. In Genesis, God said:
Genesis 1:3
“And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.”
In salvation, God speaks light into the dark heart.
Before Jesus, we sit in darkness.
When Jesus comes, light rises.
Before Jesus, the heart is night.
When Jesus comes, morning begins.
Psalm 119:105
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Psalm 119:130
“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.”
Peter says, pay attention to the prophetic word until the Day Star rises. That means the Word of God prepares the heart to see Christ clearly.
Now we come to Revelation 2.
Jesus speaks to the church in Thyatira. He warns them about false teaching, immorality, and spiritual compromise. Then He gives a promise to those who overcome.
Revelation 2:25–28
“But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
And he shall rule them with a rod of iron...
And I will give him the morning star.”
What does it mean that Jesus gives the overcomer the Morning Star?
There are several connected meanings.
Since Jesus later says, “I am the bright and morning star,” the greatest meaning is that He gives the overcomer Himself.
The reward of the Christian is not merely heaven. The reward is Christ.
Genesis 15:1
“...Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”
Philippians 3:8
“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord...”
Jesus is not merely the giver of treasure. Jesus is the treasure.
The morning star appears before the sunrise. It is a sign that the night is ending.
For the believer, the Morning Star means resurrection hope.
Daniel 12:3
“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”
Matthew 13:43
“Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father...”
The overcomer will share in Christ’s glory — not as God, but as redeemed children reflecting His light.
The promise is given to those who overcome. This means those who refuse Jezebel, refuse compromise, refuse idolatry, refuse spiritual adultery, and hold fast until He comes.
Revelation 2:20
“Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel... to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.”
The Morning Star is promised to those who do not choose the false light of Jezebel but remain faithful to the true Light of Christ.
Now let us look at Revelation 9.
Revelation 9:1
“And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.”
This is not an ordinary star like a ball of gas. The verse says “to him was given the key.” This star is personal. This star is an angelic being or spiritual ruler.
Stars can represent angels in Scripture.
Job 38:7
“When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?”
Revelation 1:20
“The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand... The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches...”
Revelation 12:4
“And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth...”
So Revelation 9:1 likely speaks of a fallen angelic being.
The text then says:
Revelation 9:2–3
“And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace...
And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power...”
Then Revelation tells us these demonic locusts have a king.
Revelation 9:11
“And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.”
Apollyon means destroyer. Abaddon also carries the idea of destruction.
So is the fallen star in Revelation 9:1 Apollyon?
The Bible does not explicitly say in verse 1, “This star is Apollyon.” But there is a possible connection because:
So the fallen star may be Apollyon, or may be another fallen angelic being who opens the way for Apollyon’s army. Either way, the passage shows a dark spiritual release from the Abyss under God’s permitted judgment.
But notice this: the key was given to him.
Revelation 9:1
“...and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.”
He does not own the key by ultimate right. He is permitted to use it for a time under God’s sovereign judgment.
Jesus is the one who truly holds the keys.
Revelation 1:17–18
“Fear not; I am the first and the last:
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore... and have the keys of hell and of death.”
Now, brethren, I want to make something clear: the Bible does not directly say that CERN, the Large Hadron Collider, or any modern machine is the key to the Abyss. We must not preach speculation as if it is Scripture.
Deuteronomy 29:29
“The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever...”
But the Bible does show us that there are doors, keys, veils, heavens, pits, and spiritual realms that can only be opened when God permits them.
Revelation 9:1
“And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.”
Notice the wording: “to him was given.” The fallen star does not steal the key by his own authority. The key is given. Permission is allowed. God remains sovereign.
Job 1:12
“And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand...”
Even Satan’s activity is limited by God’s permission.
So when we look at modern science, especially experiments dealing with the deepest structure of matter, we may ask: could mankind be touching boundaries God never intended proud man to open without reverence?
The Large Hadron Collider at CERN is designed to collide particle beams, and CERN itself says the collisions happen at detector locations such as ATLAS, CMS, ALICE, and LHCb, where detectors analyse the particles produced by those collisions.
Now compare that with the mystery seen in the double-slit experiment. In quantum physics, when which-path information is detected, the interference pattern is changed or diminished; measurement is not passive in the way normal human thinking expects.
So we can carefully say this: modern physics already shows that detection and measurement can affect what is being observed at the quantum level.
That helps prove that CERN LHC Hadron Collider is the key. (fallen angel technology) They have proof portals have opened. But it does give us a powerful sermon illustration: when man begins colliding, detecting, measuring, and trying to uncover the hidden foundations of creation, he should do so with humility, not pride.
Proverbs 25:2
“It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.”
There is nothing sinful about searching out what God has made. But there is danger when man searches without fear of God.
As this Proverb 25.2 gives the answer to why in the 2 slit experiment that God has a spiritual law of detection whereby when you try to detect it the spiritual realm hides in the physical realm and that turns CERN LHC Hadron Collider into the Revelation 9 "Key to the bottomless pit"
Romans 1:21–22
“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful...
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.”
The danger is not merely a machine. The danger is the spirit behind man’s search: pride, rebellion, godless knowledge, and the desire to unlock creation without submitting to the Creator.
This brings us back to Eden.
Genesis 3:5
“For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”
The original temptation was not just fruit. It was forbidden knowledge without obedience. It was man trying to cross a boundary God had set.
So could the “key to the Abyss” involve a physical-spiritual boundary being opened by God’s permission? It is possible as an end-times picture. But the safe doctrine is this: only God controls the keys.
Revelation 1:18
“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore... and have the keys of hell and of death.”
If Revelation 9 shows a fallen star receiving a key, Revelation 1 shows Jesus already holding the greater authority. The Abyss may open for judgment, but Jesus holds the final keys. The destroyer may be released for a season, but Christ reigns forever.
Therefore, the church should not panic over CERN, science, demons, portals, or the Abyss. The church should watch, pray, discern, and stay under the lordship of Jesus Christ.
Luke 21:28
“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”
The believer’s hope is not in understanding every mystery. Our hope is in the Bright and Morning Star.
Revelation 22:16
“I Jesus... am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”
So whether the Abyss is opened by angelic action, spiritual permission, or some mystery involving the physical and unseen realms, the conclusion is the same:
The fallen star may be given a key for a season.
But Jesus Christ holds the keys forever.
The Abyss may release darkness for judgment.
But the Morning Star brings eternal day.
The destroyer may come from the pit.
But the Saviour comes from heaven.
Revelation 22:20
“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Satan and fallen powers may be given temporary permission, but Jesus has final authority.
The Abyss is not outside God’s control.
The destroyer is not equal with Christ.
The fallen star is not sovereign.
The devil is not king of eternity.
Jesus holds the keys.
Now we see the great contrast.
Isaiah 14:12
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning...”
Revelation 9:1
“...I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth...”
2 Peter 1:19
“...until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”
There is a fallen star.
There is a rising Star.
There is a star that fell through pride.
There is a Star that rises in the heart through grace.
There is a star connected to the Abyss.
There is a Star connected to the kingdom.
There is a star that brings smoke and darkness.
There is a Star that brings dawn and light.
There is a destroyer.
There is a Saviour.
John 10:10
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
Apollyon means destroyer. Jesus is the Life-Giver.
1 John 3:8
“...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
The destroyer destroys men.
Jesus destroys the works of the destroyer.
The reason Satan can be described with morning-star language is because he was created with brightness, but corrupted it.
He still operates by counterfeit light.
2 Corinthians 11:13–15
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness...”
Satan does not always come looking dark. Often he comes looking enlightened.
He says:
“Be your own god.”
“Define your own truth.”
“Follow your own heart.”
“Do what thou wilt.”
“Take the fruit.”
“You shall not surely die.”
“You can have knowledge without obedience.”
“You can have spirituality without repentance.”
“You can have power without holiness.”
“You can have light without Christ.”
But this light is false.
Isaiah 5:20
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness...”
The devil’s light always turns into darkness.
Matthew 6:23
“...if therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!”
This is one of the most frightening things Jesus ever said. A person can think they have light, but their light can actually be darkness.
That is why we need Jesus, the true Morning Star, to rise in our hearts.
Because there is true light and false light, we must put on the armour of God.
Ephesians 6:10–12
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Notice the phrase: “rulers of the darkness of this world.”
Satan may disguise himself as light, but his kingdom is darkness.
Ephesians 6:13–18
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God...
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith...
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit...”
How do we resist the counterfeit morning star?
With truth.
With righteousness.
With the gospel.
With faith.
With salvation.
With the Word of God.
With prayer.
Satan fell because he abandoned truth. The believer stands by wearing truth.
The Morning Star also points to the return of Christ.
The night may be dark now, but morning is coming.
Romans 13:11–12
“...now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.”
The day is at hand. That is Morning Star language.
1 Thessalonians 5:4–8
“But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober...
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.”
The Morning Star tells us: wake up, the night is nearly over.
Titus 2:13
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”
We are not looking for the fallen star.
We are not looking for Apollyon.
We are not looking for darkness.
We are looking for Jesus.
Satan fell from heaven in pride. He will fall into final judgment.
Luke 10:18
“And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.”
Revelation 12:7–9
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon...
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world...”
Revelation 20:10
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
The fallen star does not rise again in victory. His end is the lake of fire.
The destroyer will be destroyed.
The deceiver will be judged.
The accuser will be silenced.
The serpent’s head will be crushed.
Genesis 3:15
“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”
At the cross, Satan bruised Christ’s heel. But through the cross and resurrection, Christ crushed Satan’s head.
Colossians 2:15
“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
Now this becomes personal.
Which light will you follow?
The false light of pride?
Or the true light of Christ?
The fallen star says, “Exalt yourself.”
The Morning Star says, “Deny yourself.”
Matthew 16:24–25
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.”
The fallen star says, “I will ascend.”
Jesus says, “Come down. Humble yourself. Follow Me.”
James 4:6–7
“God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
The way to defeat the fallen star is not by becoming proud against him. The way is submission to God.
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
Satan tried to lift himself up and was cast down.
The believer humbles himself, and God lifts him up.
The Morning Star does not rise in the heart through religion alone. He rises through repentance, faith, and the new birth.
Acts 3:19
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out...”
John 3:3
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Romans 10:9–13
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation...
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
When Christ rises in your heart, the darkness begins to lose its power.
Colossians 1:13–14
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”
This is the transfer: from darkness to light, from Satan’s dominion to Christ’s kingdom, from death to life.
In the final kingdom, there will be no need for sun or moon, because the glory of God and the Lamb will be the light.
Revelation 21:23
“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.”
Revelation 22:5
“And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.”
The Morning Star brings us into a kingdom where there is no more night.
No more deception.
No more false light.
No more fallen stars.
No more Abyss.
No more destroyer.
No more death.
No more curse.
Revelation 22:3
“And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it...”
The curse that began in Genesis is gone. The darkness that entered through sin is gone. The false light of Satan is gone. The true Light remains forever.
There are two lights presented in this sermon.
One is the light of Christ.
The other is the false light of Satan.
One is the Bright and Morning Star.
The other is the fallen star.
One says, “I am the light of the world.”
The other transforms himself into an angel of light.
One says, “Come unto me, and I will give you rest.”
The other says, “You shall be as gods.”
One humbled Himself and was exalted.
The other exalted himself and was cast down.
One opens the way to eternal life.
The other is connected to the pit, smoke, destruction, and judgment.
One gives the Morning Star to the overcomer.
The other is headed to the lake of fire.
So the call is simple:
Do not follow the fallen light.
Do not follow the pride of Lucifer.
Do not follow the deception of the serpent.
Do not follow the destroyer.
Do not follow the light that is really darkness.
Follow Jesus Christ.
Revelation 22:16–17
“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come...”
The Bright and Morning Star says, Come.
Come out of darkness.
Come out of pride.
Come out of sin.
Come out of deception.
Come out of Babylon.
Come out of the kingdom of darkness.
Come to the Light.
Come to Jesus.
John 12:46
“I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.”
And now the question is:
Will the Morning Star rise in your heart?
Or will you remain under the false light of the fallen star?
2 Peter 1:19
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”
Let the Day Star rise.
Let Jesus Christ rule.
Let the night end.
Let the true Light shine.
The Bible teaches that when a person dies, the body returns to dust, but the spirit does not cease to exist. Death is not the end. For the believer in Jesus Christ, death means being with the Lord, in paradise, awaiting the resurrection of the body and the fullness of the kingdom of God. For the unbeliever, death means separation, torment, and awaiting final judgment.
The great question is not merely, “Where does the spirit go after death?”
The greater question is:
Are you ready to meet God?
Ecclesiastes 12:7
“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”
This verse gives us the basic truth: the body and spirit separate at death.
The body returns to dust.
The spirit returns to God for His appointed judgment and destination.
Death is not nothingness. Death is not disappearance. Death is not reincarnation. Death is not the soul wandering the earth forever. Death is the moment when the body dies, but the person continues before God.
Hebrews 9:27
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”
The Bible says man dies once, and after this comes judgment. So every person must prepare. Every person must ask: where will my spirit be when my body returns to the ground?
Before we understand where the spirit goes after death, we must understand why death exists.
God did not create mankind for death. Death entered through sin.
Genesis 2:16–17
“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”
Adam and Eve disobeyed God. When sin entered, death entered.
Genesis 3:19
“In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”
The body goes back to dust because sin brought corruption into the flesh.
Romans 5:12
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Death is wages. Death is payment. Death is the result of sin. But eternal life is the gift of God through Jesus Christ.
So death is not the end of existence. Death is the doorway into judgment or glory.
The Bible repeatedly shows that the spirit continues after physical death.
James 2:26
“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
The body without the spirit is dead. That means the spirit is what departs when the body dies.
When Jesus died on the cross, He said:
Luke 23:46
“And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.”
Jesus’ body died, but His spirit was committed into the Father’s hands.
Stephen, the first Christian martyr, prayed the same kind of prayer.
Acts 7:59–60
“And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.”
Stephen did not say, “Lord, let me disappear.”
He did not say, “Lord, let me wander.”
He said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
This is the Christian hope. When the believer dies, Jesus receives the spirit.
One of the clearest verses in the Bible about where the believer goes after death is found at the cross.
Jesus was crucified between two criminals. One mocked Him. The other humbled himself.
Luke 23:39–43
“And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
This is powerful.
The thief had no time to be baptised.
No time to join a church.
No time to do good works.
No time to fix his past.
No time to earn salvation.
But he had faith. He confessed his guilt. He acknowledged Jesus’ innocence. He believed Jesus had a kingdom. He called Him Lord.
And Jesus said, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
Not hundreds of years later.
Not after reincarnation.
Not after wandering the earth.
Not after earning it.
Today.
The believer’s spirit goes to be with Christ.
Paradise is the place of blessedness with God. It is the place of the righteous dead, the place of comfort, the place where the believer is with Christ.
Paul speaks of paradise.
2 Corinthians 12:2–4
“I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago... such an one caught up to the third heaven.
And I knew such a man...
How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.”
Paul connects paradise with the heavenly realm, the “third heaven.” So when Jesus says to the thief, “Today you will be with me in paradise,” He is promising immediate blessed fellowship with Him.
Also in Revelation, paradise is connected to the tree of life.
Revelation 2:7
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”
The tree of life was guarded after Adam sinned.
Genesis 3:24
“So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims... to keep the way of the tree of life.”
But in Christ, paradise is opened again. The tree of life appears again. What was lost through Adam is restored through Jesus.
Jesus gives us another important picture in Luke 16: the rich man and Lazarus.
Some call it a parable. Some believe Jesus is describing a real account. Either way, Jesus uses it to teach real spiritual truth about death, comfort, torment, and the fixed separation after death.
Luke 16:19–23
“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table...
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.”
Here we see two men die.
Lazarus is carried by angels into Abraham’s bosom.
The rich man is in torment.
Abraham’s bosom is a picture of comfort, fellowship, and honour with the faithful. To be in someone’s bosom means closeness, rest, and intimacy. Lazarus, who suffered on earth, is now comforted.
Luke 16:24–26
“And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me... for I am tormented in this flame.
But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed...”
This teaches several serious truths.
After death, the spirit is conscious.
After death, there is memory.
After death, there is comfort for the righteous.
After death, there is torment for the wicked.
After death, there is a fixed gulf.
After death, there is no changing sides.
The rich man did not wake up as someone else.
He did not get another earthly life.
He did not float in confusion.
He was conscious, accountable, and in torment.
This is why we must preach the gospel now.
Luke 16:27–31
“Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”
The rich man wanted a miracle for his brothers. Abraham said they already had the Word of God.
This is a warning: if a person rejects Scripture, even miracles may not soften the heart.
Many Christians believe that before Christ’s resurrection, the righteous dead were in a blessed place called Abraham’s bosom, while the wicked dead were in torment. After Christ’s death and resurrection, paradise is spoken of as heavenly, and the believer goes to be with Christ.
This helps connect Abraham’s bosom, paradise, and heaven.
Jesus’ death changed everything.
Ephesians 4:8–10
“Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.”
There are different views on this passage, but many understand it to mean that Christ’s victory affected the realm of the dead and led the faithful into His heavenly victory.
What we know with certainty is this: after Christ, believers are described as going to be with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:6–8
“Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
For we walk by faith, not by sight:
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”
That is one of the clearest New Testament teachings.
For the believer:
Absent from the body.
Present with the Lord.
Not lost.
Not wandering.
Not asleep in the sense of unconscious nothingness.
Present with the Lord.
Philippians 1:21–23
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour...
For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.”
Paul says death for the believer is gain. Why? Because to depart is to be with Christ.
If Paul believed death meant unconscious nothingness, he would not say it is “far better.” He says it is far better because the believer enters the presence of Christ.
The Bible gives us examples of people who did not die in the ordinary way.
Enoch was taken.
Genesis 5:24
“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”
Hebrews 11:5
“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him...”
Elijah was also taken up.
2 Kings 2:11
“And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire... and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.”
Elijah’s departure shows that heaven is real and that God can receive a person directly. Elijah did not simply vanish into nothing. He was taken up by God.
Later, Elijah appears with Moses at the transfiguration of Jesus.
Matthew 17:1–3
“And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
And was transfigured before them...
And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.”
Moses had died physically. Elijah had been taken up. Yet both appear with Jesus. This shows that the servants of God are not destroyed by death. They are alive before God.
Jesus said this plainly.
Matthew 22:31–32
“But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,
I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died physically, but Jesus says God is still their God because they are alive unto Him.
Jesus told His disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them.
John 14:1–3
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
The heart of heaven is not gold streets only. The heart of heaven is being with Jesus.
Jesus says, “that where I am, there ye may be also.”
That is the believer’s hope.
Not merely a place.
A Person.
Not merely mansions.
The Master.
Not merely heaven.
Christ Himself.
John 17:24
“Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory...”
Jesus prayed that His people would be with Him and see His glory.
So where does the believer’s spirit go after death?
To be with Christ.
To paradise.
To the heavenly presence of God.
To await resurrection and the final new heaven and new earth.
The Bible sometimes describes death as sleep.
1 Thessalonians 4:13–14
“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep...
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”
John 11:11–14
“Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
Howbeit Jesus spake of his death...
Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.”
Why does Scripture call death sleep?
Because for the believer, death is temporary. The body rests, awaiting resurrection. But the spirit is with the Lord.
The body sleeps in the grave.
The spirit is with Christ.
The whole person will be raised at the resurrection.
This is why Paul can say both that believers “sleep” and that to depart is to be with Christ.
1 Thessalonians 4:15–18
“For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord...
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout... and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air...
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”
The dead in Christ are not forgotten. Their bodies will rise. Their spirits will be united with resurrected bodies. They will be with the Lord forever.
Revelation shows believers who had died for their testimony.
Revelation 6:9–11
“And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true...
And white robes were given unto every one of them...”
These souls are conscious. They speak. They remember. They ask God for justice. They are given white robes.
This shows again that death does not erase the spirit. The faithful dead are alive before God.
Revelation 14:13
“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. Why? Because they rest. Their labour is finished. Their works follow them. They are safe with God.
The Bible is comforting for the believer, but terrifying for the unbeliever.
The rich man in Luke 16 was in torment.
Luke 16:23
“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments...”
Jesus warned often about hell.
Matthew 10:28
“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Man can kill the body, but man cannot destroy the soul. God has authority over both soul and body.
Mark 9:43–48
“And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off... rather than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.”
Jesus spoke more seriously about hell than many modern preachers. Why? Because He loves us enough to warn us.
Matthew 25:46
“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
There are two destinies: everlasting punishment or eternal life.
The Bible shows an intermediate place of torment after death, and then a final judgment called the lake of fire.
In Luke 16, the rich man is in torment after death. But Revelation 20 shows the final judgment.
Revelation 20:11–15
“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it...
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened...
And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
This means hell itself is cast into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the final destination of the wicked, the beast, the false prophet, Satan, death, and hell.
Revelation 20:10
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone... and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
Revelation 21:8
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers... and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
The second death is final separation from God’s mercy. This is why salvation matters. This is why the cross matters. This is why preaching matters.
The Christian hope is not based on wishful thinking. It is based on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:3–4
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
Jesus did not merely teach about life after death. He conquered death.
Revelation 1:17–18
“Fear not; I am the first and the last:
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore... and have the keys of hell and of death.”
Jesus holds the keys. Not Satan. Not death. Not the grave. Jesus.
John 11:25–26
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”
Jesus does not only give resurrection. He is the resurrection. He does not only give life. He is the life.
2 Timothy 1:10
“...our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
Through the gospel, Jesus brings life and immortality to light.
The spirit goes to be with the Lord, but God’s plan is not only for disembodied spirits. God will raise the body.
The final hope of Christianity is resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:20–23
“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.”
Jesus rose bodily. Because He rose, believers will rise.
1 Corinthians 15:42–44
“So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.”
The grave is not the believer’s final home. The body may go into the ground, but it will rise in glory.
1 Corinthians 15:51–55
“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump...
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption... then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”
This is why Christians can face death with hope. Death still hurts. Death still brings grief. But death has lost its final victory.
Many people speak as if heaven is the final stopping point. But the Bible ends with a new heaven, a new earth, and the New Jerusalem coming down from God.
Revelation 21:1–4
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away...
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven...
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them...
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain...”
The final hope is not merely that we go up. It is that God brings His kingdom in fullness. Heaven and earth are made new. God dwells with His people. Death is gone.
Revelation 22:1–5
“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life... proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
In the midst of the street of it... was there the tree of life...
And there shall be no more curse...
And they shall see his face...
And there shall be no night there... for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.”
Genesis begins with man losing access to the tree of life. Revelation ends with the redeemed receiving the tree of life.
Death entered through sin.
Life returns through Christ.
The curse entered through Adam.
The curse is removed through Jesus.
Man was driven from Eden.
The redeemed enter the city of God.
For believers, grief is real, but it is not hopeless.
1 Thessalonians 4:13
“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.”
Paul does not say Christians do not sorrow. He says we do not sorrow like those who have no hope.
Jesus wept at Lazarus’ tomb.
John 11:35
“Jesus wept.”
Even though Jesus knew He would raise Lazarus, He still wept. So grief is not unbelief. Grief is love feeling the pain of separation.
But Christian grief is held by resurrection hope.
1 Thessalonians 4:14
“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”
Those who die in Christ are not lost. They are with the Lord. And God will bring them with Christ.
The believer does not need to fear death as final defeat.
Psalm 23:4
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
David did not say, “I will avoid the valley.” He said, “I will walk through it.” Why? Because God is with him.
Psalm 116:15
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”
The death of God’s people is not meaningless to Him. It is precious. He receives His own.
Romans 8:38–39
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers...
Shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Death cannot separate the believer from Christ. Death actually brings the believer into closer presence with Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57
“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
For the unbeliever, death is not peace. Death is judgment.
John 3:18
“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already...”
John 3:36
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
This is serious. The unbeliever does not need religion only. He needs salvation. He does not need self-improvement only. He needs forgiveness. He does not need another chance after death. He needs Christ now.
Isaiah 55:6–7
“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
Let the wicked forsake his way... and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him...”
The time to repent is now.
2 Corinthians 6:2
“...behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Not tomorrow. Not after death. Not when it is convenient. Now.
Jesus did not leave the way to heaven uncertain.
John 14:6
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
There are not many roads to the Father. There is one way: Jesus Christ.
Acts 4:12
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
1 Timothy 2:5
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
Jesus is the mediator. He stands between sinful man and holy God. His blood reconciles us.
Romans 5:8–10
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son...”
The only reason a believer can be with Christ after death is because Christ died for our sins and rose again.
Based on Scripture, we can say this:
James 2:26
“For as the body without the spirit is dead...”
Ecclesiastes 12:7
“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was...”
2 Corinthians 5:8
“...absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”
Luke 23:43
“To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
Luke 16:25
“...but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.”
Luke 16:23
“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments...”
John 5:28–29
“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”
Revelation 20:15
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Revelation 21:3–4
“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men...
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death...”
The question of where your spirit goes after death is not just theological. It is personal.
One day your body will breathe its last breath.
One day your heart will stop.
One day your body will return to dust.
One day your spirit will stand before God.
The question is: will you be with Christ in paradise, or will you be separated in torment awaiting judgment?
Jesus has made the way.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Romans 10:9–13
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation...
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
The thief on the cross had no time left, but he called on Jesus. And Jesus said, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
That same Jesus is still saving sinners.
So do not wait.
Come to Christ.
Repent of sin.
Believe the gospel.
Call on the name of the Lord.
Trust in the blood of Jesus.
Receive eternal life.
Because for the believer, death is not the end.
Death is the doorway to Christ.
The grave is not the final home.
The body will rise.
The spirit will be with the Lord.
The curse will be removed.
The tree of life will be restored.
The New Jerusalem will come.
And God Himself will dwell with His people forever.
Revelation 22:17
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come... And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
Come to Jesus now.
Because the final truth is this:
For the believer, to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Before the fall, Lucifer was a created being of beauty, brightness, wisdom, and high position. After the fall, he became Satan: the adversary, accuser, deceiver, tempter, destroyer, murderer, and enemy of God’s people.
The Bible does not present Satan as equal to God. Satan is not God’s opposite in power. Satan is a fallen creature. He can only go as far as God permits. Yet within that permission, he deceives, tempts, accuses, enters, oppresses, destroys, and seeks to turn mankind away from Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 14:12–15
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God:
I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”
Luke 10:18
“And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.”
John 10:10
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
The name Lucifer appears in the King James Bible in Isaiah 14:12. It is connected to the idea of brightness, shining, or “son of the morning.” In many modern translations, the phrase is translated as “morning star” or “shining one.” The word “Lucifer” comes through the Latin tradition, and Christian tradition came to use it as a name for Satan before his fall.
In the immediate context, Isaiah 14 is a taunt against the king of Babylon.
Isaiah 14:4
“That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!”
But the language rises above an ordinary earthly king. It speaks of one who wanted to ascend into heaven, exalt his throne above the stars of God, and become like the Most High. That sounds greater than a human ruler. It reveals the spiritual pride behind earthly rebellion.
Lucifer before the fall was not a red cartoon devil. He was not ugly. He was not weak. He was not foolish. Scripture presents him as bright, wise, beautiful, and highly placed.
Ezekiel 28 also speaks first to the ruler of Tyre, but again the language appears to reach behind the earthly ruler to a spiritual being.
Ezekiel 28:12–15
“Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him... Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.
Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering...
Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so...
Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.”
Notice the words:
“Full of wisdom.”
“Perfect in beauty.”
“In Eden.”
“The anointed cherub that covereth.”
“Created.”
“Perfect... till iniquity was found in thee.”
Lucifer was created. That means he is not eternal like God. He is not equal with God. He is not all-powerful. He is not all-knowing. He is not everywhere present. He is a created being who fell.
Ezekiel 28:17
“Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness...”
This is the danger: beauty without humility becomes pride. Wisdom without obedience becomes corruption. Brightness without submission becomes rebellion.
Lucifer’s problem was not that God made him ugly. God made him beautiful. The problem was that his beauty became his idol. His own brightness blinded him.
The fall of Lucifer began in the heart.
Isaiah 14:13–14
“For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God...
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.”
Five times, we hear the spirit of rebellion:
I will ascend.
I will exalt.
I will sit.
I will ascend.
I will be like the Most High.
This is the opposite of Jesus Christ.
Lucifer said, “I will ascend.”
Jesus came down.
Lucifer said, “I will exalt my throne.”
Jesus humbled Himself.
Lucifer said, “I will be like the Most High.”
Jesus, who truly is Lord, took the form of a servant.
Philippians 2:5–11
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant...
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him...”
Lucifer tried to exalt himself and was cast down.
Jesus humbled Himself and was highly exalted.
This is why pride is so dangerous.
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
1 Timothy 3:6
“Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.”
The condemnation of the devil was pride. Pride turned an anointed cherub into an adversary.
The change of name reflects the change of nature and role.
Lucifer speaks of brightness, shining, and created glory before the fall.
Satan means adversary, opponent, accuser, enemy.
After the fall, he is no longer known by the brightness of his created place, but by the rebellion of his corrupted nature.
He became:
Revelation 12:9–10
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world...
For the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”
John 8:44
“Ye are of your father the devil... He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him... for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
2 Corinthians 4:4
“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not...”
Ephesians 2:2
“Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air...”
The name changed because the being changed. He went from shining servant to fallen adversary. From cherub to accuser. From created beauty to corrupted wisdom. From heavenly position to hell-bound rebellion.
Even after the fall, Satan does not always appear as darkness. Often he appears as false light.
2 Corinthians 11:14–15
“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness...”
This is very important.
Satan rarely comes to a person saying, “I am here to destroy you.” He comes saying:
“Be enlightened.”
“Be free from God’s commands.”
“Follow your own truth.”
“Be your own god.”
“Reject authority.”
“Redefine good and evil.”
“Take the fruit.”
“You shall not surely die.”
This was his method in Eden.
Genesis 3:1–5
“Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field...
And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said...?
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods...”
Satan’s deception is often packaged as knowledge, liberation, enlightenment, pleasure, self-rule, or freedom from God.
But the end is death.
Proverbs 14:12
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
We must speak carefully here. Not everyone who uses the words Satanist or Luciferian believes the same thing. Some are atheistic. Some are symbolic. Some are occult. Some are theistic. Some see Satan or Lucifer as a literal being. Others use those names as symbols of rebellion, individualism, reason, enlightenment, or opposition to traditional religion.
The modern Church of Satan describes its Satanism as atheistic and says that each individual is “his or her own god,” not a worshipper of a literal Satan. The Satanic Temple says Satan is a symbol of the “Eternal Rebel” against arbitrary authority, not necessarily a literal devil they worship.
Britannica notes that, for most of Christian history, accusations of organised devil-worship were often spurious, while modern self-identified Satanist or Luciferian groups emerged especially from the twentieth century onward.
Luciferianism is also not one single unified movement. Some Luciferians treat Lucifer as separate from Satan; others treat the names as synonyms. The name is often associated with “light-bearer,” enlightenment, knowledge, liberation, or self-deification.
From a Christian preaching perspective, the difference can be explained this way:
Satanism often emphasizes the adversary, rebellion, self-rule, rejection of Christian morality, indulgence, and opposition to traditional religious authority. In atheistic forms, Satan is treated as a symbol, not a literal being.
Luciferianism often emphasizes Lucifer as light-bearer, enlightenment, knowledge, personal power, self-development, and liberation from what it sees as oppressive religious systems. Some forms are symbolic; some are occult or theistic.
But from the Bible’s perspective, the central danger in both is the same ancient temptation:
“You shall be as gods.”
That is the language of Eden.
Genesis 3:5
“...then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”
When man makes himself his own god, the spirit behind it is not new. It is the old lie wearing modern clothing.
This does not mean Christians should hate or attack people who identify with these movements.
We wrestle not against flesh and blood.
Ephesians 6:12
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world...”
Our response is not hatred. Our response is truth, prayer, love, warning, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:24–26
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves...
That they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”
Now we come to a serious biblical truth. Satan cannot overpower God, but he can influence people, tempt people, possess people, enter people, accuse people, and destroy where God permits.
Jesus told His disciples He would suffer, be killed, and rise again. Peter rejected the idea.
Matthew 16:21–23
“From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things... and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord...
But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”
Jesus was not saying Peter was literally Satan by identity. But Peter’s words were carrying Satan’s temptation: avoid the cross.
Satan had already tempted Jesus in the wilderness to take glory without suffering.
Matthew 4:8–10
“Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world...
And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan...”
So when Peter said, “No cross, Lord,” Jesus recognised the same satanic voice: kingdom without suffering, crown without cross, glory without obedience.
The devil can speak through the mouth of a friend if that friend is opposing the will of God.
Jesus also said Satan wanted to attack Peter.
Luke 22:31–32
“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not...”
Satan desired Peter. But notice: Satan could not simply take Peter. Jesus was praying. God was sovereign. Satan could sift, but he could not destroy Peter’s destiny.
This is comfort for believers.
Satan may attack.
Satan may sift.
Satan may accuse.
But Jesus intercedes.
Hebrews 7:25
“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
With Judas, Scripture is more direct.
Luke 22:3–6
“Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.”
John also says:
John 13:2
“And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot... to betray him.”
Then later:
John 13:26–27
“Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop...
And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.”
Satan entered Judas, but Judas was not innocent. Judas had already opened his heart through greed, hypocrisy, unbelief, and betrayal.
John 12:4–6
“Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot...
Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief...”
Satan entered where sin had already been welcomed.
This is a warning: do not give the devil a door.
Ephesians 4:26–27
“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Neither give place to the devil.”
Sin gives place. Bitterness gives place. Greed gives place. Pride gives place. Secret rebellion gives place.
Luke 22:47–48
“And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?”
A kiss should be a sign of love, honour, friendship, and affection. Judas used a kiss as a weapon of betrayal.
That is satanic: to use the language of love while delivering someone to death.
Psalm 55:20–21
“He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him...
The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart...”
Judas shows us that the devil can hide betrayal behind affection, religion, and friendship.
The Book of Job gives one of the clearest pictures of Satan’s activity under God’s permission.
Job 1:6–12
“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them...
And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job...
Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?...
But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand.”
Notice carefully: Satan could not touch Job until permission was given. God set a limit: “only upon himself put not forth thine hand.”
Then disaster came.
Job 1:13–19
“And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:
And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing...
And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword...
While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven...
While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands... and have slain the servants...
While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating...
And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house... and they are dead.”
Here we see Satan working through:
Was Satan behind it? Yes, because Satan had received permission to attack Job’s possessions. But he used different instruments. Some disasters came through human violence. Some came through supernatural or natural forces.
This shows us something serious: Satan’s work can appear as human violence, disaster, loss, or sickness. But the believer must remember: Satan is not sovereign. God remains sovereign.
Job responded with worship.
Job 1:20–22
“Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,
And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”
Job did not understand the heavenly conversation, but he trusted God.
Then Satan wanted to attack Job’s body.
Job 2:4–7
“And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin...
But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.
And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.
So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.”
This clearly shows Satan can cause illness when God permits.
But again, God sets the boundary: “save his life.”
Satan could afflict Job, but he could not cross God’s limit.
That is important for every believer.
The devil may attack, but he is leashed.
He may rage, but he is limited.
He may accuse, but he is not judge.
He may destroy, but he cannot overrule God.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful... who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able...”
Jesus said Satan was a murderer from the beginning.
John 8:44
“He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth...”
In Job, Satan was behind the deaths of Job’s servants and children, even though he used raiders and disasters as instruments.
In the Gospels, Satan entered Judas and moved him toward betrayal. That betrayal led to Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion.
But here is the mystery of God’s sovereignty: Satan meant it for evil, but God used it for salvation.
Acts 2:23
“Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.”
Wicked hands crucified Jesus. Satan worked through betrayal and hatred. But God had already determined to use the cross for redemption.
Genesis 50:20
“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good...”
This is the victory of God: He can take the devil’s worst act and turn it into salvation.
At the cross, Satan thought he was destroying Jesus. But Jesus was destroying the works of the devil.
1 John 3:8
“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
Colossians 2:14–15
“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us... nailing it to his cross;
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
The cross was not Satan’s victory. The cross was Satan’s defeat.
Satan is called the accuser.
Revelation 12:10
“...for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”
We see this accusing spirit in Job.
Job 1:9
“Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?”
Satan accused Job of loving God only because God blessed him.
Satan still accuses believers:
“You are not really saved.”
“God will not forgive you.”
“You have sinned too much.”
“You are a hypocrite.”
“You might as well give up.”
“God has abandoned you.”
But Jesus is our Advocate.
1 John 2:1–2
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
And he is the propitiation for our sins...”
Romans 8:33–34
“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again... who also maketh intercession for us.”
Satan accuses.
Jesus intercedes.
Satan points to our sin.
Jesus points to His blood.
Satan says, “Guilty.”
Jesus says, “Forgiven.”
Satan tempted Jesus directly.
Matthew 4:1–4
“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
Three times Satan tempted Jesus. Three times Jesus answered with Scripture.
Matthew 4:7
“Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”
Matthew 4:10
“Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”
Jesus defeated Satan with the Word of God.
That is why believers must know Scripture. The Bible is not decoration. It is a sword.
Ephesians 6:17
“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword...”
The Christian must not be ignorant of Satan’s devices.
2 Corinthians 2:11
“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”
Peter warns:
1 Peter 5:8–9
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Whom resist stedfast in the faith...”
James says:
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Notice the order.
First: submit to God.
Then: resist the devil.
A person who is not submitted to God cannot properly resist the devil. Human willpower is not enough. Religion is not enough. Pride is not enough. We resist Satan under the authority of Christ.
Because Satan is real, the armour of God is necessary.
Ephesians 6:10–18
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world...
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God...
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith...
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit...”
The armour tells us how Satan attacks.
He attacks truth, so we need the belt of truth.
He attacks righteousness, so we need the breastplate of righteousness.
He attacks peace, so we need the gospel of peace.
He sends fiery darts, so we need the shield of faith.
He attacks the mind, so we need the helmet of salvation.
He twists Scripture, so we need the sword of the Spirit.
He tries to isolate us, so we must pray always.
Here is the deepest contrast.
I will ascend.
I will exalt myself.
I will be like God.
I will rule myself.
I will define good and evil.
I will not submit.
Not my will, but thine be done.
I humble myself.
I obey the Father.
I lay down my life.
I serve.
I forgive.
I die for sinners.
Luke 22:42
“...nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
This is why the world’s spirit is often Luciferian even when it does not use the name Lucifer. Whenever man says, “I will be my own god,” the old spirit is present.
But when a person bows before Jesus and says, “Lord, not my will but Yours,” the Spirit of Christ is at work.
Satan is dangerous, but he is defeated.
Hebrews 2:14–15
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same;
That through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
Luke 10:19
“Behold, I give unto you power... over all the power of the enemy...”
Matthew 28:18
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
Jesus has all power. Satan has limited power. Jesus has eternal authority. Satan has temporary permission. Jesus holds the keys.
Revelation 1:18
“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore... and have the keys of hell and of death.”
Satan may enter Judas, but Jesus uses the betrayal to bring salvation.
Satan may sift Peter, but Jesus restores him.
Satan may afflict Job, but God brings Job through.
Satan may accuse the brethren, but Jesus intercedes.
Satan may rage against the church, but the gates of hell shall not prevail.
Matthew 16:18
“...upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Satan’s future is not uncertain.
Revelation 20:10
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone... and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
The fallen cherub becomes the final prisoner.
The accuser is silenced.
The deceiver is judged.
The serpent is crushed.
The dragon is cast down forever.
The first promise of this victory was given in Eden.
Genesis 3:15
“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”
At the cross, Satan bruised Christ’s heel. But through the cross and resurrection, Christ crushed the serpent’s head.
Lucifer fell because of pride.
Satan tempts mankind with the same pride.
Judas opened his heart through greed and betrayal.
Peter was sifted but restored because Jesus prayed for him.
Job was attacked, but God preserved him.
Jesus was crucified, but He rose victorious.
The question now is: whose spirit will you follow?
The spirit of Lucifer says, “I will be like the Most High.”
The Spirit of Christ says, “Not my will, but thine be done.”
The spirit of Satan says, “You shall not surely die.”
The Word of God says, “The wages of sin is death.”
The devil says, “Be your own god.”
Jesus says, “Follow me.”
Matthew 16:24–26
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
Come out from pride.
Come out from rebellion.
Come out from false light.
Come out from the adversary’s deception.
Come to Jesus Christ.
Romans 10:9–13
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Satan is real.
But Jesus is Lord.
Satan accuses.
But Jesus justifies.
Satan destroys.
But Jesus gives life.
Satan fell like lightning.
But Jesus rose from the dead.
Satan goes to the lake of fire.
But Jesus brings His people into eternal life.
1 John 4:4
“...greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
So resist the devil. Submit to God. Put on the armour. Hold fast to Jesus. Walk in the light. And never forget:
The fallen one is defeated, but Christ is victorious forever.
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